Finally the Khmer Rouge leaders are supposed to be put on trial. Or will they? The news out of Cambodia are somewhat alarming. I read in the Economist that some of the international judges don't think the Cambodian judges are sincere in wanting to bring the criminals to justice. The reason for the conclusion was that the Cambodian judges did not seem very willing to discuss the internal procedures for the international tribunal in Phnom Penh. And without agreeing on the procedures it is difficult to see how they can charge anyone.

What will happen?

Kevin

I think it will go through. I visited Cambodia last September and interviewed representatives of ECCC - Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia. It was my impression that they are working very hard to conduct the process in a fair manner.

But it sure is a tough process as there is hardly any family in Cambodia that was not affected by the brutal Khmer Rouge regime.

John

Today's news from Cambodia is worrying, though. Seth Mydans in New York Times has written a very thoughtful peace about the process, especially concerning the fact that the Cambodian and the international judges still have managed to agree on the internal procedures for the court.

I recommend the article:

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/01/25/news/cambo.php

Yet another meeting between the Cambodian and international judges - and they still cannot agree on the internal procedures for the court.
Will the court proceedings ever start?
I am beginning to doubt it.

And that is really bad for the numerous victims of the Khmer Rouge tyrans.

Kevin