The Khmer Rouge tribunal’s co-investigating judges have delayed their decision on whether to throw out cases 003 and 004, which had been expected by the end of the month, according to a “clarification” issued by the court yesterday.

The Post revealed in May the co-investigating judges were considering dismissing the cases due to “a lack of funding”. The report sparked public outcry and renewed fears of political interference in the cases long opposed by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Case 003 against former naval commander Meas Muth, case 004 against mid-level commander Yim Tith and Case 004/02 against Ao An, a zone secretary, are the last remaining at the tribunal, which began its operations in 2006.

Hayat Abu-Saleh, a spokesperson at the court, said no new date has been set for the decision and denied public criticism had contributed to the delay.

Co-Investigating Judge Michael Bohlander declined to comment on whether political interference was a factor in the original decision to consider dismissing the cases.