As a victim and survivor of the Khmer Rouge's failed experiment, I strongly urge
the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) to have a speedy trial for Ta Mok (a.k.a.
Un Choeun) and Duch (a.k.a. Gang Khek Euv). If a speedy trail is not possible, for
whatever insane reason, then the two men should be released on bail in accordance
with the accepted local and international laws. Their illegal detention since 1999
is simply inhumane and violating every basic human right.
These two men, who are no doubt responsible for countless human rights abuses and
numerous deaths in Cambodia, including that of my own family members, should and
must be entitled to fair and humane treatment - even if they were once inhumane themselves.
Why? Very simply, those of us who live in a civil society know better. We are not
a bunch of hypocrites who are doing the same thing, or even worse, to another human
being. We are simply better than these men who stand accused of some heinous crimes
and crime against humanity.
Furthermore, if the superiors of these two men - such as Noun Chea, Ieng Sary, Khieu
Samphan, and many other former Khmer Rouge leaders - are still being allowed to live
freely for years, these lower-ranking KR men should be entitled to the same fair
treatment. There should be no political exception or consideration when dealing with
justice. All Cambodians, regardless of whom they are, should be treated fairly under
the Kingdom's laws. There should not be a double standard. Absolutely no exception!
The RGC had allowed other KR leaders to escape justice, such as Pol Pot, Son Sen,
and Ke Pauk, who passed away without answering for their crimes. The RGC has an utmost
duty to all Khmers to ensure that the surviving KR leadership answers for its crimes.
As a survivor, I only hope that the RGC will ensure that the highest standard of
justice will prevail, and that its treatment of even the most notorious detainees
meets generally accepted standards of justice. Anything less, than the RGC is no
different than the DK regime (Khmer Rouge) it once fought and replaced.
Ronnie Yimsut
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