Court Says Khmer Rouge Leader Fit To Face Trial

Court Says Khmer Rouge Leader Fit To Face Trial
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7009032850
November 2, 2007 9:18 a.m. EST

John Concepcion - AHN News Writer



Phnom Penh, Cambodia (AHN) - The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia on Friday said Nuon Chea, an 82-year old surviving leader of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge movement, is fit to stand trial for charges of crimes against humanity.

Nuon Chea has recently been under medical examination for problems related to high blood pressure.

The UN-backed tribunal said, "These examinations concluded that he is in a stable condition. There is no medical reason which would run counter to his detention conditions or participation in the judicial investigation."

Nuon Chea last month appealed his detention with the tribunal, filing a request to be released on bail. He is currently detained at the tribunal's detention center in Cambodia.

He has reportedly suffered a stroke and has high blood pressure.

Nuon Chea was charged last September by the tribunal in connection with his involvement as Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot's closest deputy. He was the alleged architect of the regime's sweeping execution policies.

During the reign of the regime, an estimated 1.7 million people have been reported to have died.

©2007 by AHN Media Corp.
All rights reserved