THE Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) has transferred former Khmer Rouge head of state Khieu Samphan (pic) to Kandal Provincial Prison to continue serving his life sentence.
Samphan, now the sole surviving leader of the Khmer Rouge, was sent to the Kandal prison on Jan 30, co-prosecutors Chea Leang and Fergal Gaynor announced in a Feb 1 statement.
Although the trials that took place under the purview of the ECCC – which was created to investigate and try those deemed to be most responsible for serious crimes during the Khmer Rouge period – were undertaken with international support, including some prosecutors and judges who were not Cambodian, the hybrid tribunal operated within the Cambodian legal system and the Cambodian authorities are ultimately responsible for incarcerating anyone convicted and sentenced at the ECCC to a term of imprisonment.
“This process involved discussions with and assurances from the General Department of Prisons as well as multiple visits to Kandal Provincial Prison by the Co-Prosecutors.
The Co-Prosecutors are also mindful that the International Committee of the Red Cross conducts regular prison inspections of prisons throughout Cambodia including Kandal Provincial Prison,” read the statement.
Samphan was arrested on Nov 19, 2007 and detained under the authority of the co-investigating judges for his alleged participation in crimes against humanity by the Khmer Rouge. After an investigation, he was indicted and put on trial. The first trial, Case 002/01, began in November 2011 and concluded in July 2013. Judges announced their verdict in August 2014.
Samphan and Nuon Chea, known as Brother No. 2, were convicted of crimes against humanity including mass murder and other inhumane acts such as the forced transfer of the civilian population from Phnom Penh and other urban centres.
Both were sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in these crimes. On appeal, the life sentences were upheld by the Supreme Court Chamber in November 2016. — The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
