ECCC, Case 002/01, Issue 2

Case 002/01

ECCC

Cambodia

English

On 29 to 31 August 2011, the Trial Chamber conducted a preliminary hearing on the fitness to stand trial of Ieng Thirith and Nuon Chea, following the submission of the reports of Professor John Campbell, the medical expert the Chamber appointed to examine the health of the Accused Ieng Sary, Ieng Thirith and Nuon Chea.

A joint session was held on the first day of hearing for issues common to Ieng Thirith and Nuon Chea, particularly the qualifications of Professor Campbell as an expert and the methodology he used in his assessments. In the discussion of his methodology, Professor Campbell explained the various sources he used in arriving at his evaluation. The second day focused on issues relating to Professor Campbell’s report on Ieng Thirith, which disclosed that, she is most likely suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia. Professor Campbell concluded that Ieng Thirith is cognitively impaired to the point that she will be unable to meaningfully participate in her trial. On the final day of the preliminary hearing, the geriatrician maintained that based on his assessment, Nuon Chea is fit to stand trial.