The Right against Self-Incrimination: a Confusing Protection

Sek Dan, former child medic at S-21, and Lach Mean, former prison guard and interrogator at S- 21, appeared as witnesses before the tribunal today in the trial of prison chief Kaing Guek Eav (alias Duch) .

Sek Dan: The Figures Speak for Themselves

Sek Dan, a 48-year-old peasant farmer, had a rocky start this morning when he struggled to comprehend his right against self-incrimination and his obligation to speak truthfully to the tribunal. After a second reading of the rights and obligations, Mr. Sek remained visibly confused but the tribunal pushed forward with his testimony. This crucial misunderstanding resurfaced later in the testimony.

Sek testified that in 1978 he was taken to S-21 when he was 11 years old to work as a child medic, delivering medical supplies to prisoners and staff. When the Vietnamese arrived Sek managed to escape with other child medics. Although he did not know Duch well, Sek had seen the accused occasionally from afar. When asked about other supervisors of S-21, Sek testified that he knew of no others.

Given Sek’s experience as a medic at S-21, the judges seized the opportunity to investigate the health conditions of the S-21 prisoners. Sek described missing fingernails, torn ears, legions and sores on the backs, legs and arms of prisoners. Although multiple medications were administered, Rabbit Pellet medicine was most widely used. The content of the Rabbit Pellet medicine remains unclear. Sek testified that prisoners were medicated merely to sustain them for further interrogation…

Read more: ctm_blog_8-3-2009