Australia Network News
Cambodia's war crimes court is wrapping up its case against the man who ran the Khmer Rouge's main torture and interrogation centre.
Comrade Duch listened intently and took notes on Monday as four days of final arguments against him began.
The former head of Tuol Sleng prison, also known as S-21, is accused of murder and torture.
Thousands of people were killed after passing through the centre in Phnom Penh.
Comrade Duch has admitted he was responsible for the deaths of at least 12,380 prisoners while S-21 was under his command.
But he says he was only following orders from above and denies having personally killed anybody.
Karim Khan, a civil lawyer representing the victims and their families, has told the court his clients are not motivated by revenge.
"For all these many years they have not succumbed to the baser instincts of seeking revenge, but have sought quite properly to avail themselves of the procedures put in place so that they can have a voice, so they can have closure and to assist your honours in seeking to get to the truth," he said.
The verdict is expected early next year.
Comrade Duch listened intently and took notes on Monday as four days of final arguments against him began.
The former head of Tuol Sleng prison, also known as S-21, is accused of murder and torture.
Thousands of people were killed after passing through the centre in Phnom Penh.
Comrade Duch has admitted he was responsible for the deaths of at least 12,380 prisoners while S-21 was under his command.
But he says he was only following orders from above and denies having personally killed anybody.
Karim Khan, a civil lawyer representing the victims and their families, has told the court his clients are not motivated by revenge.
"For all these many years they have not succumbed to the baser instincts of seeking revenge, but have sought quite properly to avail themselves of the procedures put in place so that they can have a voice, so they can have closure and to assist your honours in seeking to get to the truth," he said.
The verdict is expected early next year.
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