Experts “Unanimous” that Ieng Thirith Has Dementia

by Mary Kozlovski
— 31 Aug, 2012

On Friday, August 31, 2012, a hearing was held on the accused Ieng Thirith’s fitness to stand trial at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). Dr. Seena Fazel, Dr. Huot Lina, and Professor A. John Campbell were present as three experts appointed to further evaluate Ieng Thirith’s health condition and fitness to stand trial. The Trial Chamber, prosecution, civil party lawyers, and the defense for Ieng Thirith questioned the experts. Parties made closing statements at the conclusion of testimony. Ieng Thirith was present in the holding cell from where Ieng Sary – Ieng Thirith’s husband and co-accused in Case 002 – also observed proceedings.

In a June 2011 report, New Zealand-based geriatrician Dr. A. John Campbell found that Ieng Thirith has a “moderately severe dementing illness, most probably Alzheimer’s disease.”1 In addition to Prof. Campbell, four psychiatric experts were appointed by the court to examine Ieng Thirith. Two of the experts – Drs. Fazel and Lina – previously gave testimony in October on Ieng Thirith’s status…

Read more: CTM_Blog_8-31-12_0

Cambodia Tribunal Monitor’s Trial Observer posts are written according to the personal observations and opinions of the writer and do not constitute a transcript of ECCC proceedings or the views of Cambodia Tribunal Monitor and/or its partners. Official court transcripts for the ECCC’s hearings may be accessed at the ECCC website.