The former Khmer Rouge foreign minister was taken to Calmette Hospital earlier today after blood was observed in his urine. Ieng Sary 's condition was not an emergency, though he may stay in the hospital over the weekend for observation, according to court spokesman Peter Foster.

In a pre-trial detention appeal around a month ago, Sary's lawyers argued that the octogenarian was too frail to stand trial.

Numerous court observers have expressed concern that some of the defendants may die before going to trial. Proceedings for Comrade Duch are expected to start in September, but the co-investigating judges have yet to issue a closing order in his case, as they were anticipated to do by the end of this month . Court spokeswoman Helen Jarvis said although the order has not yet been issued, she expects it will be soon.