Four top Khmer Rouge leaders have had their appeals against the cases against them thrown out, paving the way for another major genocide trial later this year.
The four face charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and related crimes under Cambodian laws in connection with the deaths of up to two million people between 1975 and 1979 from starvation, overwork and execution.
The accused are the communist regime's most senior surviving members, Nuon Chea ('Brother number 2'), former foreign minister Ieng Sary, his wife and ex-social affairs minister Ieng Thirith, and former head of state Khieu Samphan.
There are concerns the accused could die before the trial is concluded, as they are aged 78 to 84.
The trial follows the landmark conviction last July of former prison chief Kaing Guek Eav (known as Duch) for war crimes and crimes against humanity. He was sentenced to 30 years for his role in the deaths of around 15,000 men, women and children.
See the write up of a documentary, ‘Enemies of the People’ on Cambodia’s genocide here.
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