When it Comes Comes to Witness Protection, Are All Witnesses Created Equal?

  • by Laura MacDonald, Member of New York Bar and Consultant to the Center for International Human Rights, Northwestern University School of Law
  • — 13 Jul, 2009

This morning, the Trial Chamber heard the remaining testimony of civil party Nam Mon, an alleged survivor of two secret detention facilities run by Kaing Guek Eav (alias Duch). Nam testified that she saw Duch beat two of her uncles to death. This is the first evidence presented to the Chamber that Duch killed someone with his own hands.

In the afternoon, the Chamber was scheduled to hear the testimony of witness Mam Nai, one of Duch’s former subordinates. However, a timely objection from the defense regarding the witness’s right against self-incrimination stalled the proceedings in order to allow Mam time to seek legal advice regarding this right. Complicating matters and shocking observers, Mam stated that while he would like legal representation, he cannot afford it and therefore does not have any. Mam was allegedly responsible for the interrogation of high-ranking Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK) cadre detained at Tuol Sleng prison (S-21)…

Read more: ctm_blog_7-13-2009

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