Question of Further Indictments Continues to Hang Over Tribunal

Im Chaem is a small potato compared with the comrades below (Photo: AP)

Who's next?
Top row: Hun Xen, Chea Xim, Heng Xamrin
2nd row: Meas Muth, Hor 5 Hong, Keat Chhon
Bottom row: King-Father Norodom Sihanouk

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Thursday, 12 August 2010

“If they just arrest people continuously, there will be much impact, and the situation will change to turmoil and then to war.”

Following the recent Khmer Rouge tribunal verdict for Duch, the UN-backed court has still been unable to deal with the question of more indictments beyond five leaders currently in custody.

A former Khmer Rouge district chief who could face charges for her role in the regime says five defendants is enough already. But tribunal observers warn that truth and reconciliation will be diminished if the UN-backed court does not expand the number of suspects.

The tribunal is now focusing on its second case, to try for atrocity crimes Nuon Chea, Khieu Samphan, Ieng Sary, Ieng Thirity, and possibly Kaing Kek Iev. But there are further indictments possible in the third and fourth cases.