A recently-posted schedule for the trial of "Comrade Duch" gives a sense of the issues that will be covered throughout the initial few weeks of proceedings. During the first three days of substantive hearings, March 30 to April 1, the Trial Chamber anticipates that Duch will be informed of the charges against him, Co-Prosecutors will make opening statements and the defense will have the opportunity to respond. Duch will also have a chance to comment on the charges against him.

The following week, April 6 to 9, the Trial Chamber will first question Duch, and then witnesses, about M-13, Duch's first prison.

After a week-long break for Khmer New Year, court will reconvene April 20. The Trial Chamber will subsequently address issues relating to the establishment of S-21 and CPK policy.

While I'm sure this schedule is tentative -- a number of unexpected issues can arise during the course of a trial -- I still find it useful to have a general idea of how judges expect the proceedings to unfold.

* Pictured: Duch confers with his lawyer during a recent hearing. Photo courtesy of the ECCC website.