According to a reporter, it is said that Duch may have to serve only 19 years of his prison sentence of 35 years.
Duch, 67, the former prison chief of Khmer Rouge has been found guilty for the crimes committed against humanity by UN-backed war crimes tribunal of Cambodia.
Duch’s full name is Kaing Guek Eav was sentenced to prison for 35 years. Duch also admitted to overseeing the torture and also the execution of thousands of children, men and women at Tuol Sleng prison and pleaded forgiveness. This is the Duch’s first verdict.
The prosecutors had demanded a 40 year prison sentence. However, Duch will not be serving the full 35 allotted years since five years were reduced by the judges as Duch was held illegally and further reduced it by 11 years as Duch had already served behind the bars.
The court that was built specially on the outskirts of the capital, Phnom Penh, saw crowds of Cambodians attend it in order to hear the verdict. There was also a live broadcast of the verdict across the country. There were some of them who demanded tougher sentence. Hong Sovath, who lost his father in Tuol Sleng said, “There is no justice. I wanted life imprisonment for Duch,” Soadi Ouch, 46, told the news agency, “I can’t accept this”. “My family died… my older sister, my older brother. I’m the only one left.” However, Chea Leang, who was a one of the co-prosecutors, said that the criminals during the Khmer Rouge event would not be left alone. She added,” Those who have taken many lives cannot avoid justice”.
Related posts:
Loading ...
Comments are closed.