Original report from Phnom Penh
22 September 2008
Defense lawyers for Nuon Chea, the senior-most surviving Khmer Rouge leader, have filed an appeal against an extension of his tribunal detention for another year, as an investigation into his alleged atrocity crimes continues.
Lawyer Son Arun said Nuon Chea, who was arrested more than one year ago, should be released.
Investigating judges at the tribunal last week ordered an extension of Nuon Chea’s detention while they continue to investigate charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity against him.
Nuon Chea, 82, was known as Brother No. 2, and was second only to Pol Pot during the brutal reign of Democratic Kampuchea. He was arrested at his home in the former stronghold of Pailin in September 2007.
Tribunal spokesman Reach Sambath said the ruling was proper under the “laws and internal rules” of the tribunal.
Observers said the ruling could extend the mandate of the cash-strapped courts to as far off as 2010 at a time when the UN-Cambodia hybrid courts are seeking funds to operate through the end of 2009.
Lawyer Son Arun said Nuon Chea, who was arrested more than one year ago, should be released.
Investigating judges at the tribunal last week ordered an extension of Nuon Chea’s detention while they continue to investigate charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity against him.
Nuon Chea, 82, was known as Brother No. 2, and was second only to Pol Pot during the brutal reign of Democratic Kampuchea. He was arrested at his home in the former stronghold of Pailin in September 2007.
Tribunal spokesman Reach Sambath said the ruling was proper under the “laws and internal rules” of the tribunal.
Observers said the ruling could extend the mandate of the cash-strapped courts to as far off as 2010 at a time when the UN-Cambodia hybrid courts are seeking funds to operate through the end of 2009.
2 comments:
Wish this lawyer can be defended Khmer victims during the murder of Khmer rouge year like ah nuon chea from killing.
I said murderer like ah nuon chea has no right.
Ghost helps 10 seats, anti-Thai sentiment helps 50 seats, Khmer Rouge help 10 seats,...the rest helped by Vietnamese voters.
Hun Sen should thank western people who care so much about human rights and the Khmer Rouge issues.
Khmer Rouge documentaries raised by the third party prove to be an even more effective tool to support CPP propaganda since 1979.
The West doesn't like to support anyone who rule for 29 years, but their coverage on Khmer Rouge issues give Hun Sen for at least another ten years to attract new voters. Before, only my grandparents and parents are CPP supporters. Now, my young brothers and sisters also thank CPP.
Khmer Rouge coverage show Cambodians that at least we are better than the Khmer Rouge and CPP is their god who saved them, which reinforce the 1st out of 8 CPP poster.
Before, Cambodians were not interested in Khmer Rouge. Even the most famous and successful movie maker E Vong Hem lost $30,000 for Khmer Rouge film in 2004.
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