Trial Monitoring

ECCC, Case 002/01, Issue 16

March 29, 2012
ECCC, Case 002/01, Issue 16
Publication Documents
Case or Series

Case 002/01

Case or Series

ECCC

Country

Cambodia

Language

English

This week, the Co-Prosecutors, led by Mr. William Smith, proceeded with the examination of Kaing Guek Eav, alias “Duch,” on the administrative and communication structures of the CPK and the DK regime, as well as the roles of the three Accused. Appearing before the Trial Chamber not as an accused but as a witness, Duch was generally responsive to the OCP’s questions and described how S-21 operated in relation to the other organs of DK. He recounted specific instances when he had alleged encounters with Nuon Chea, who, according to him, replaced Son Sen in August 1977, and thus became his immediate supervisor. He also provided some information regarding Ieng Sary and Khieu Samphan, but admitted that he only saw the former twice, and the latter only once. Throughout the week, the Ieng Sary and Nuon Chea Defense reiterated their objections against what they deemed leading questions from the OCP. Another recurring point of contention was the Defense Teams’ submission that Duch was testifying to information he obtained after the fall of DK, instead of recounting what he personally experienced during the regime. According to Defense lawyers, Duch was, in effect, testifying as an expert witness and not as an ordinary witness.