Cambodian Genocide Trial Begins
On Tuesday February 17, 2009 a joint Cambodian/United Nations
tribunal began hearing its first case-the trial of former Khmer Rouge leader Kaing
Guek Eav (known as "Duch"). Duch is accused of running the Tuol Sleng detention
camp. Tuol Sleng, also known as S-21 has come to symbolize the Cambodia
Genocide. During the Cambodian Genocide (1975-1979) 1.7 million Cambodians died
from starvation, torture, and execution.
Of the 16,000 prisoners who were sent to Tuol Sleng less than 20
survived. Duch's trial is the first of five former Khmer Rouge leaders who will
face trial on charges of "crimes against humanity, genocide, grave breaches of
the Geneva Convention, homicide, torture and religious persecution."
Here are a series of links to new accounts of the trial and background information on the Cambodia Genocide:
NPR, "Khmer Rouge Torturer Goes On Trial"
International Herald Tribune, "Cambodia begins painful look back with Khmer Rouge trials"
New York Times, "My Savior, Their Killer"
Yale University, Cambodian Genocide Program
- What is the purpose of a trial?
- Five former Khmer Rouge leaders have been charged with war crimes. How should prosecutors decide who to try? What criteria might they use?
- It is now over 30 years since the beginning of the Cambodian Genocide, what needs to happen for there to be justice for victims, perpetrators, bystanders, and their descendents today?
