The international prosecutor for the UN-backed war crimes tribunal in Cambodia, has stated that he is confident of prosecutions against four former leaders of the Khmer Rouge, as the case goes to trial later this month.
Speaking to Voice of America Khmer, Andrew Cayley said,
“I think that the case is a very strong one against these individuals because of the size and scope of the crimes that were committed.
There is documentary evidence that links them with the crimes on the ground, including publications of the Khmer Rouge, and including other documentary evidence.”
His position was backed by Hong Kim Suon, a lawyer for civil parties, who said the prosecution had very strong evidence, including,
“witnesses, documents, audio, images, and historians that have researched the case.”
“I think it’s enough to go beyond reasonable doubt.”
The defendants face charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide amongst others, relating to their role in the Khmer Rouge, which whilst in power saw an estimated 1.8 million people killed from 1975 - 1979.
See our earlier posts:
Former Khmer Rouge member's plea of amnesty rejected by war crimes tribunal (Nov 2011)
Khmer Rouge leaders deny charges as donors push for swift trial (Sep 2011)
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