Evidentiary hearings in Case 002/02 against former Khmer Rouge leaders Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea (pictured) will begin on Friday, October 17, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia announced yesterday.

The prosecution will be given the opportunity to make a “brief opening statement” and the accused will then have a chance to respond, the court said.

The first witness will testify on October 20. Last week, the tribunal announced that proceedings would begin with the Tram Kok work cooperatives in Takeo province, and include the treatment of Buddhists and a related security centre.

Samphan and Chea were given life sentences in August for crimes against humanity in the first subtrial of the case. The upcoming subtrial will see the pair face previously unheard charges, including genocide.