Khmer Rouge torture chief appeals jail sentence

The first leader of Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime to be convicted of war crimes has officially appealed against the verdict.

Kaing Guek Eav was jailed for 30 years last July. (Reuters: Chor Sokunthea)

The court has begun hearing the appeal of Kaing Guek Eav, also known as ‘Comrade Duch’ who is asking to be released.

The elderly former head of the prison and torture centre S21 was
jailed for 30 years last July but could be released before he dies
considering time already served.

His legal team will argue that he was not one of the decision makers
in the Pol Pot regime and therefore should not have been tried by the
court.

But the prosecution will also appeal for a tougher sentence, arguing the jail boss was a pivotal Khmer Rouge figure.

Australia ABC News

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