A high school student of Kampong Cham looks over one of the many human skulls on display at the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sunday, March 29, 2009. On Monday, March 30, Kaing Guek Eav, also known as "Duch" will go on trial for crimes against humanity. "Duch" was commander of the Toul Sleng prison under the Khmer Rouge where thousands were tortured and killed. (AP Photo/David Longstreath) (AP)Khmer Rouge genocide trial airs charges of medieval-style torture and execution
By GRANT PECK Associated Press Writer
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia March 30, 2009 (AP)
The Associated Press
A former teacher accused of carrying out the murderous policies of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge went on trial Monday, as prosecutors opened their first case against the hard-core communists who turned the country into a killing field three decades ago.
The U.N.-assisted genocide tribunal's indictment against Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, delivered in an antiseptic modern courtroom, described medieval methods of torture and execution allegedly carried out by the defendant when he commanded the communist group's main prison when it held power in 1975-79. It adjourned before either prosecutors or the defense could deliver opening statements.
"Several witnesses said that prisoners were killed using steel clubs, cart axles, and water pipes to hit the base of their necks," it charged. "Prisoners were then kicked into the pits, where their handcuffs were removed. Finally the guards either cut open their bellies or their throats. After the executions were complete, the guards covered the pits."
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia March 30, 2009 (AP)
The Associated Press
A former teacher accused of carrying out the murderous policies of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge went on trial Monday, as prosecutors opened their first case against the hard-core communists who turned the country into a killing field three decades ago.
The U.N.-assisted genocide tribunal's indictment against Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, delivered in an antiseptic modern courtroom, described medieval methods of torture and execution allegedly carried out by the defendant when he commanded the communist group's main prison when it held power in 1975-79. It adjourned before either prosecutors or the defense could deliver opening statements.
"Several witnesses said that prisoners were killed using steel clubs, cart axles, and water pipes to hit the base of their necks," it charged. "Prisoners were then kicked into the pits, where their handcuffs were removed. Finally the guards either cut open their bellies or their throats. After the executions were complete, the guards covered the pits."
No comments:
Post a Comment