Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Muth’s lawyer calls for case to be terminated

Muth’s lawyer calls for case to be terminated

Meas Muth defence counsel Michael Karnavas attends a hearing in the Khmer Rouge tribunal’s Case 002 in 2012. Mark Peters/ECCC
Meas Muth defence counsel Michael Karnavas attends a hearing in the Khmer Rouge tribunal’s Case 002 in 2012. Mark Peters/ECCC

Muth’s lawyer calls for case to be terminated

The defence team for Meas Muth has said terminating the proceedings against the alleged Khmer Rouge naval commander is the “only legitimate and lawful option” if funds cannot be found to ensure a fair trial.

The co-investigating judges at the Khmer Rouge tribunal in May made a confidential request for submissions on whether to issue a “permanent stay on proceedings” in the government-opposed cases 003, against Muth; 004, against Yim Tith; and 004/02, against Ao An. The co-investigators cited a “lack of funding” as the reason for the proposed stay, a justification that raised eyebrows among court observers.

Muth’s lawyer Michael Karnavas yesterday confirmed he had made such a submission.

“Effectively, if our client is indicted, then afford him his human rights, give him a full and fair trial and, if necessary, an appeal. If the UN and Cambodian Government cannot afford to maintain the ECCC, to properly fund it, to go the distance as it must, then the only legitimate and lawful option is to terminate the proceedings immediately,” he said.

“Anything less would be a pretence, a charade of due process.”

Lawyers for Yim Tith and Ao An declined to comment yesterday, citing the confidentiality of the process, and the prosecution did not respond to requests for comment.

A decision on the fate of all three cases was extended last month, but court spokesperson Hayat Abu-Saleh said yesterday no deadline had been set.

MOST VIEWED

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • Hun Sen warns of regional tensions

    ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans

  • Waterway job still pending for Kampot tourism port’s opening

    The search is still on for a contractor to expand and deepen the Kampot International Tourism Port’s waterway and deliver additional enhancements allowing safe access for larger vessels, nearly a year after the main construction work on the 4.25ha site was completed on June 30, 2022.