Thursday, June 23, 2011

CCHR Issue 6: A Series on Fair Trial Rights and Rule of Law - The right not to be compelled to confess guilt - World Torture Day 26 June 2011

A message from the President:

“This International Day in Support of Victims of Torture the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (“CCHR”) supports victims of torture and condemns the practice of torture. Torture is a heinous crime and is especially repugnant when utilized by law enforcement personnel to extract confessions of guilt from those accused of a crime. Allegations of violence or coercion leveled at police erode the public’s trust in police and the wider justice system as a whole. Any evidence obtained by such means must be deemed inadmissible by the courts. Perpetrators of torture must be brought to justice after an investigation by an independent preventative mechanism.”

~Ou Virak President of CCHR

Cambodian Center for Human Rights (“CCHR”) Findings

The Chart "Allegations of violence or coercion to extract a confession" indicates that between January 1st to June 30th, 2010 (Second Reporting Period) and July 1st to December 31st, 2010 (Third Reporting Period) trial monitors recorded allegations by accused that police coerced them into confessing in 5% and 7% of trials respectively. Coercion for this purpose is defined as improper psychological pressure such as threats. The chart also indicates that allegations of the police using violence to extract a confession were made by accused in 7% of trials observed in the Second Reporting Period and 8% of trials observed in the Third Reporting Period.

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Please find attached a copy of this newsletter in Khmer and English.

For more information, please contact Ms. Monika Mang at 016 927 279
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The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) is a non-aligned, independent, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect democracy and respect for human rights throughout Cambodia. For more information, please visit www.cchrcambodia.org.


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