Cambodian judges rule genocide defendant detained illegally

Beijing News
http://www.beijingnews.ne

Monday 15th June, 2009

Cambodian judges have ruled that Comrade Duch, the man being tried in the Khmer Rouge genocide trial, has been detained unlawfully for over ten years.

Five trial judges determined that Duch was imprisoned contrary to Cambodian law when he was arrested in 1999.

Duch was the supervisor at Tuol Sleng prison, where thousands of people were sent to their deaths during the 1970s.

While the judges have ruled on Duch’s illegal detention, they have refused to release him.

If he is found guilty, time spent in prison will be deducted from his sentence.

He may also be able to claim compensation if he is acquitted.