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Duch's apology too little, too late
Former Khmer Rouge leader argues that his human rights are being violated.
- Gulf News
- Published: 22:46 April 4, 2009
A former leader of the notorious Khmer Rouge government is on trial in Phnom Penh, accused of crimes against humanity by a UN-backed court.
On Tuesday, Kang Kek Iew, better known as 'Duch', apologised to the court and accepted responsibility for supervising the extermination of around 15,000 people between 1975 and 1979 at the infamous Tuol Sleng prison then under communist control.
The apology was followed a day later by a request from his lawyer that the prison chief be released from custody as his human rights were being violated.
The lawyer argued that because Duch has been in custody without trial for 10 years, his detention was illegal.
How ironic. The laws of natural justice creak under the strain placed upon them by the extermination of so many helpless victims that passed between the gates under Duch's control.
His apology is too little, too late, and an insult to all those butchered by his party's misguided beliefs. He should not see the light of day again.
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