No more Khmer Rouge Arrests: PM

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Written by DAP NEWS -- Tuesday, 08 September 2009

Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday sent a strongly worded warning to anyone suggesting that other leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime be put on trial. Five high ranking former cadre are currently on trial.

Strongly warning on Monday by The premier also referred to Youk Chhang, director of the Documen-tation Center of Cambodia (DC-CAM), who the premier said made the suggestion other leaders be charged last week. Youk Chhang denied having made any such remarks. “If you want to do anything, you have to prioritize safety, peace and reconciliation first; do not push one side without thinking of the other side,” the premier said during a ceremony to mark the release of data from the the 2008 population census.

In a departure from his usual form, the premier warned Youk Chhang by name. “Where is Youk Chhang? You have to explain to me today as what you said in your forum last week related to the Khmer Rouge.”

“You do not interfere in this case,” the premier instructed.

Youk Chhang told DAP News Cambodia that he had not week forum related to any ideas to push charging other leaders in Khmer Rough Regime to be on trial beside the 5 leaders.

“I sent a clarification letter to the premier to check, and whenever he responds, I will explain clearly directly to him,” he said.

The claim that Youk Chhang had suggested other leaders be put on trial was printed in the Kampuchea Thmei Newspaper. Youk Chhang said the report was inaccurate.

However, “I am not willing to file complaint against the writer at this news agency,” he said.

The Khmer Rouge Tribunal has faced increasing criticism at home and in the international community for perceived inefficiency, incompetence, foot-dragging and corruption.