The Phnom Penh Post

The court ruled Wednesday that defendants Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith can continue to see each other. Married 57 years, the couple has been allowed weekly visits since March.

"The alleged crimes were committed 30 years ago, so the Charged Persons have had all the time to discuss any matter related to such allegations," the decision from the Pre-Trial Chamber reads.

In January, co-investigating judges wrote a letter saying they had no immediate intention to allow visits between husband and wife. Defense lawyers appealed and, in March, the co-investigating judges agreed to weekly contact.

Reviewing the defense's appeal Wednesday, the Pre-Trial Chamber decided this wasn't enough.

"The long duration of the measures imposed since the investigation began on 19 November 2007, without proper justification, affects the Charged Person's right to be treated with humanity," according to the decision.

Tribunal detention center rules should dictate when and how the couple can meet, the court continued. However, the Cambodia Daily reports that special laws governing detention at the tribunal - which is under the auspices of the Interior Ministry - have not been drafted.

Whatever the ministry decides, the defendants probably won't be able to spend nights together, detention facility governor Kim Chuon told the Daily.