The Khmer Rouge prison chief accused of crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture and premeditated murder will make his final statements to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) this week.  

By Karl Dowling

In attendance at the trial are surviving victims of the Khmer Rouge regime, which killed up to 2 million people between 1975 and 1979.

The trial of former prison chief Kaing Guek Eav -- better known as Duch -- began in February and a verdict is expected early next year.

The order of proceedings in the final week of the trial sees civil parties present their arguments on Monday, followed by the prosecution’s closing statement on Tuesday. The defence will then speak on Wednesday and Thursday, after which civil parties and the prosecution will present rebuttal statements. The defence will then have one hour to make their closing argument, including any final statements by the defendant.

The accused has admitted that he oversaw the murders of approximately 15,000 men, women and children while in charge of the notorious Tuol Sleng prison and has asked for forgiveness from his victims and their families.

However, Duch has consistently denied any direct involvement in the torture and murder of prisoners. The crimes took place at the prison and in the nearby Killing Fields, where prisoners were often taken to be executed.

“Crocodile tears”
Duch, 67, has appeared remorseful throughout the trial and has apologized repeatedly for his actions under the Khmer Rouge regime. He has claimed that his job at the prison was performed under duress since he feared for his life from more senior Khmer Rouge officials if he did not carry out his duties.

Speaking about the final week of proceedings, Duch’s lawyer Francois Roux said on Sunday, "At this moment it's very important to give credit to Duch for his guilty plea. Duch has recognized his responsibility".

However, lawyers for victims of the Khmer Rouge accused the regime's jailer of duping Cambodia's war crimes court. Attorney Kong Pisey told judges on Monday that Duch had sought "to cleverly evade responsibility when it suits him" and wept "crocodile tears" in the dock.

Controversy
Controversy has surrounded the UN-backed tribunal since its inception in 2005. Accusations of government interference have been rife throughout and it’s also alleged that top jobs have been paid for.

Duch’s trial is the first of its kind to take place at the ECCC. The joint trial of four other more senior Khmer Rouge leaders is expected to open in 2011, while deliberations are still on going regarding cases against five other former Khmer Rouge cadres.