KRT's Credibility

Khmer Rouge tribunal's credibility in question on eve of first trial
16-02-2009
By Ka-set



After Open Society Justice Initiative on February 13th, it is the turn of the organisation Human Rights Watch to express concern about the independence of the Khmer Rouge tribunal on the eve of the initial hearing, due on Tuesday February 17th, prior to the first trial, that of the former head of the interrogation centre S-21. The hybrid tribunal, which comprises a majority of Cambodian judges, “should resist political interference and meet international fair trial standards,” the New York based organisation urged in a statement issued on February 15th.

“Any hint of political manipulation at the tribunal will undermine its credibility with the Cambodian people,” warned Sara Colm, Cambodia-based senior HRW researcher. “Until allegations of corruption and improper interference by the [Cambodian] government are investigated and resolved, the tribunal's integrity as a legitimate and independent court will remain in question.”