CCHR Media Comment - Beginning of Case 002 represents justice for victims of the Khmer Rouge, however delayed

Media Comment – Phnom Penh, 26 June 2011

Beginning of Case 002 represents justice for victims of the Khmer Rouge, however delayed

On the eve of the first day of trial in Case 002 at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal – the trial of Nuon Chea, Ieng Sary, Khieu Samphan and Ieng Thirith – the Cambodian Center for Human Rights welcomes this healing opportunity for all victims of the Khmer Rouge and for the country as a whole. While a great deal of uncertainty remains as to the future of the tribunal, it is hoped that this trial will provide all Cambodians with an opportunity to understand the darkest chapter in Cambodia’s recent history and provide an opportunity for the country to move on towards a peaceful and prosperous future.

Commenting on beginning of Case 002 Ou Virak, President of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights – a non-aligned, independent, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect democracy and respect for human rights throughout Cambodia – said:

“The beginning of Case 002 will be a cathartic moment for all Cambodians. While the crimes of the Khmer Rouge were committed over a quarter of a century ago, they remain ingrained in Cambodia’s collective psyche. I hope that this trial – coming as it does so many years after the crimes alleged against the accused were committed – provides all victims with some sense of justice, however delayed that justice may be.”

For more information contact:

Ou Virak, CCHR President

Telephone: +855 12 40 40 51

Email: ouvirak@cchrcambodia.org

Please find this media comment attached in pdf.

Thank you and kind regards

--

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.