Mon, 15 Jun 2009
Karen Percy, South East Asia correspondent
ABC Radio Australia
Judges in Cambodia have ruled former Khmer Rouge prison chief Kaing Geuk Eav has been detained unlawfully for the past decade.
Kaing Geuk Eav, also known as Comrade Duch was arrested by the Cambodian military in 1999.
In a 15 page ruling, the five trial chamber judges of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, have determined that Comrade Duch was imprisoned contrary to Cambodian law.
Comrade Duch was the supervisor of the infamous Tuol Sleng prison in Phnom Penh during the 1970s where more than 12,000 people were sent to their deaths in the "killing fields".
The ruling means that if he's found guilty the time he's been detained so far will probably be cut from any sentence.
If he's acquitted Comrade Duch will be able to claim compensation.
The judges refused a request to release Comrade Duch saying he remained a flight risk and say he must remain in detention for his own security and to ensure public order.
During his trial so far Comrade Duch has apologised to his victims.
He's also providing evidence that could prove to be crucial in the cases against four other defendants, who were senior Khmer Rogue members.
Kaing Geuk Eav, also known as Comrade Duch was arrested by the Cambodian military in 1999.
In a 15 page ruling, the five trial chamber judges of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, have determined that Comrade Duch was imprisoned contrary to Cambodian law.
Comrade Duch was the supervisor of the infamous Tuol Sleng prison in Phnom Penh during the 1970s where more than 12,000 people were sent to their deaths in the "killing fields".
The ruling means that if he's found guilty the time he's been detained so far will probably be cut from any sentence.
If he's acquitted Comrade Duch will be able to claim compensation.
The judges refused a request to release Comrade Duch saying he remained a flight risk and say he must remain in detention for his own security and to ensure public order.
During his trial so far Comrade Duch has apologised to his victims.
He's also providing evidence that could prove to be crucial in the cases against four other defendants, who were senior Khmer Rogue members.
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