I've been out of the country during the tribunal's two-week recess, but wanted to share links to the latest twist in the ongoing corruption debate.

Apparently, in what one ECCC observer has described as a "tit-for-tat," the Cambodian government claims it is keeping files on international staffers to prevent corruption at the court.

Lawyers and court observers told the Post the Cambodian government's behavior amounted to interference and intimidation. A couple of the most compelling reactions:

Defense consultant Andrew Ianuzzi: "This is childish, thuggish behavior we have come to expect from the government. But it is not something to be taken lightly."

Court Monitor Michelle Staggs-Kelsall: "Without sounding alarmist, this is alarming. ... There is obviously a complete breakdown of trust between the two sides of the court."

The ECCC's new UN spokesman, Lars Olsen, said findings regarding the probes of any foreign staffers should be turned over to the UN for review. Cambodian officials declined to respond to his statement.

Corruption allegations involving the court's Cambodian side, which have prompted a freeze in international funding, remain unresolved.