The Khmer Rouge tribunal on Thursday concluded the hearing of evidence in the trial of Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch. A statement put out by the tribunal noted that, in 72 days of substantive hearings, the court heard from nine expert witnesses, 17 fact witnesses, seven character witnesses and 22 civil parties. Closing statements are set to begin on November 23.

International defence lawyer Francois Roux on Wednesday concluded testimony in dramatic fashion, with questions clearly intended to demonstrate the sincerity of his client’s apologies and statements of remorse. The Trial Chamber allowed him to show a video of Duch's February 2008 visit to the Cheoung Ek killing fields, during which he expressed “indescribable remorse” for the atrocities of the regime. Scroll to the bottom of this link to read the account of the testimony that ran in the Post.

On Thursday, civil party lawyers submitted a joint filing for reparations, in which they asked for free medical care, memorial pagodas and education programmes, among other things. Beyond the joint filing, lawyers plan to include individual reparations claims in final submissions to the Trial Chamber. A decision on reparations will likely be announced at the same time as the verdict, which is expected early next year.

Thursday also marked Uth Chhorn's official first day as independent counsellor. The current auditor general at the National Audit Authority is scheduled to give his first press conference tomorrow.