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R/£ Genocide trial of Khmer Rouge jail chief nears end
November 24, 2009 Edition 1
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: Closing arguments began yesterday in the genocide trial of a Khmer Rouge prison chief, with the prosecution accusing Kaing Guek Eav of having pursued his role with zeal despite his expressions of remorse for atrocities.
Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, is the first high-ranking member of Cambodia's ousted regime to be tried for war crimes at a UN-backed tribunal. Judges are expected to issue a ruling and sentence early next year.
He faces a maximum penalty of life in jail, as Cambodia has no death penalty.
"Look at them, Duch. Look at these men and women who you wanted to smash, and whose parents and loved ones and children you smashed," said Philippe Canonne, one of the lawyers for victims, whose family members were also in court yesterday.
"You can smash insects and animals but you can't smash human beings, because one day they will come back, one way or another, or their successors, to demand a reckoning."
As he watched the proceedings, Duch showed no emotion. He is expected to take the stand as early as tomorrow, a day after the prosecution opens its case. Closing arguments will conclude on Friday. - Sapa-AP
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