H.E Sok An's Remarks on case of Kaing Guek Eav

Saturday, February 04, 2012

REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY SOK AN, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Royal Government Task Force on the Khmer Rouge Trials  on the delivery of the final judgment by the ECCC SUPREME COURT CHAMBER IN THE CASE OF KAING GUEK EAV (DUCH) 3 February 2012

Today is a historic day for our country and for all humanity. Since the Khmer Rouge regime was overthrown on 7 January 1979, just over 33 years ago, we have struggled to rebuild our society. At the same time, we have never lost sight of the need to seek justice for the crimes committed during those 3 years, 8 months and 20 days; for remembrance of the victims; and to make sure such a tragedy will never recur.

The road to reach today’s judgment has been long and rocky. Many of the victims and the perpetrators of the crimes did not live to see it. Those of us, who survived, have been anxiously awaiting today’s judgment.

Here in Cambodia, a new type of court in the annals of international justice was established -- a national court with international participation and assistance. The ECCC has followed due process, and conducted a fair trial in Case 001 of the director of the notorious S-21 prison for crimes against humanity and war crimes. More than 100,000 people came to the court to see the trial with their own eyes, while millions more were able to follow it through live television and radio broadcasts. The ECCC provided unprecedented victim participation as civil parties.

 The seven judges of the Supreme Court Chamber have today brought this landmark case to its conclusion by making the final judgment. I take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to all who have contributed to this process – the judges and prosecutors, lawyers, court officials and staff, both national and foreign; and the people and governments who have provided the funds – the friends of the ECCC.
 
And, finally, I want to say to the survivors of S-21 and to the relatives and friends of those who were imprisoned there and who did not survive: today the people of Cambodia and all the world remember those who died, and hope that this trial and the delivery of the final judgment bring some relief for your pain and suffering.