Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) Grants Leave to Respond to Amicus Curiae Briefs

On October 26, 2007 the Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) responded to the Office of the Co-Prosecutors (OCP)'s request of leave to respond to the six amicus curiae briefs submitted to the PTC regarding the Defense's appeal of detention of Mr. Kaing Kech Iev. PTC granted leave as requested and cited Rule 33(2) of the ECCC Internal Rules (IRs)which states that "briefs under this rule shall be filed with the Greffier of the Co-Investigating Judges or the Chamber concerned who shall provide copies to the Co-Prosecutors and the lawyers for the other parties who shall be afforded the opportunity to respond". The defense in the person of Mr. Kaing Kech Iev's Co-Lawyers Kar and Roux, thus, are afforded a chance to respond to the briefs in maintaintence of the principle of equality of arms between the prosecution and the defense. This principle also applies to the lawyers representing civil parties, if applicable, who, although act through OCP in many respects, have, in this case, the right to respond independent from that of the Co-Prosecutors. All parties involved have till November 12, 2007 to submit their responses.