Philippe Greciano, a French lawyer who joined the defence team for former Khmer Rouge head of state Khieu Samphan last year, says he is stepping down. Here is the statement from Mr. Greciano:

"Professor Philippe Gréciano completes mission of international counsel in the defense team of Mr. Khieu Samphan, former Khmer Rouge head of state. Specialist in criminal law and human rights, he brought his expertise to clarify the legal debate in the interests of truth and reconciliation for the Kingdom of Cambodia. The defense team thanks to the quality of his work and wish him continued success in its activities."

Khieu Samphan will continue to be represented by Cambodian lawyer Sa Sovan and the well-known (and famously provocative) French lawyer Jacques Verges.