Khmer Rouge minister seeks bail

1/7/2008
Source: AFP

Phnom Penh: The former Khmer Rouge foreign minister appeared before the UN-backed Cambodian genocide court yesterday to appeal his detention, in a case that poses the first big test for the tribunal.

Ieng Sary, 82, is one of five top cadres detained in connection with the Khmer Rouge's 1975-79 rule, when up to two million people died of starvation and overwork, or were executed, as the regime dismantled modern Cambodia.

The aged and sickly-looking former leader, who has been charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity, walked into court with a cane and needed the help of guards to sit in the dock.

The hearing was adjourned early in the afternoon until Tuesday after Ieng Sary and his lawyers said he was tired, dizzy and coughing.

A doctor confirmed to judges that Ieng Sary was unwell and said he was at risk of hypertension.

Ieng Sary told the court he did not wish to delay proceedings but wanted to participate in all his hearings.

"I can continue the sessions but am afraid that if I use too much energy today I will not be able to come tomorrow," Ieng Sary said.

Earlier in the day, one of the judges read out part of a pre-trial interview with investigators, in which Ieng Sary repeated his claims of innocence.

"I would like to know the truth about a dark period in our history. I do not know where the truth lies," Ieng Sary said in the statement.


"I am very happy that this court has been established because it will be an opportunity for me to discover the truth and also to share what I know," he added.