The Khmer Rouge tribunal has agreed to hold a public hearing on December 8 for the decision on the appeal by defence lawyers of former head of state, Khieu Samphan, for his release. Lawyers Jacques Verges and Sa Sovan had argued that a public hearing was necessary because the decision to deny the translation of their client's case had resulted in serious violations of the defendant's rights.The 77-year-old is being held in detention for charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. A date has not been set for his trial.