Ex-Khmer Rouge chief suffers a stroke

The Sydney Morning Herald.
June 4, 2008 - 4:28PM

The Khmer Rouge's 76-year-old former head of state, who is awaiting trial on war crimes charges, has suffered an apparent stroke and can barely speak, his lawyer says.
Khieu Samphan was rushed from his prison cell to a hospital on May 21 with high blood pressure. Since then, his condition has worsened, said attorney Say Bory, who is defending him at the UN-backed genocide tribunal scheduled to start later this year.

The lawyer said he believed Khieu Samphan had suffered his second stroke following one in November, but doctors have not issued a diagnosis.
"The left side of his body is nearly deadened," Bory told The Associated Press, adding that he needs help to walk and use the bathroom.
"He can speak but his words are unclear. His tongue appears stiff. The left eyelid has also slumped over his eye."
The tribunal's spokesmen and Khieu Samphan's doctors could not be immediately reached for comment.
The long-delayed tribunal is seeking justice for atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge when it ruled Cambodia from 1975-79. The regime is blamed for the deaths of 1.7 million people who died of starvation, disease, overwork and execution.
Samphan is among five suspects facing trial for their alleged roles in the regime's brutality. He faces charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes.
All five defendants are ageing and infirm. Many fear the suspects might die before they ever see a courtroom.

Bory said that if Samphan's condition persists, "it could affect" his case at the tribunal.
"Let's hope everything will be fine," the lawyer said.
© 2008 AP
Copyright © 2008. The Sydney Morning Herald.