Judges at the tribunal have scheduled appeal hearings for married defendants Ieng Thirith and Ieng Sary for Feb. 24 and 26, respectively -- the week after "Comrade Duch" makes his first appearance before the Trial Chamber.

Both Iengs are appealing the court's recent decision to detain them for an additional year. Co-Prosecutors had argued that these appeals should be decided without an oral hearing, but lawyers for the defendants argued that this was "an important matter" that "should be dealt with appropriately."

Ieng Sary's lawyers also raised the importance of addressing their client's health issues in a hearing. The elderly defendant has repeatedly been hospitalized during his detention.