• Press Release

Cambodia: Amnesty International welcomes Ieng Thirith decision

September 14, 2012

The Trial Chamber at Cambodia's U.N.-backed genocide tribunal today declared Ieng Thirith, one of the alleged senior Khmer Rouge leaders, unfit to stand trial and ordered her release from detention.

The 80-year Ieng Thirith likely suffers from Alzheimers. She was accused of crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes.

Rupert Abbott, Amnesty International’s Cambodia Researcher in Phnom Penh, said:

“While the decision to declare Ieng Thirith unfit to stand trial may be difficult to accept for victims of the Khmer Rouge crimes, Amnesty International welcomes the decision as being in accordance with international fair trial standards.”

“The decision sends a positive message to the Cambodian justice system that human rights should be universally enjoyed, including by those accused of committing grave crimes.”

“Amnesty International calls for the United Nations and Royal Government of Cambodia to ensure that after her release, Ieng Thirith’s personal security is safeguarded and her privacy protected.”