Khmer Rouge torturer faces verdict

A UNITED Nations backed war crimes tribunal is expected to issue a decision today in the trial of the Khmer Rouge’s chief jailer and torturer – the first verdict involving a leader of the genocidal regime that created Cambodia’s killing fields.

Kaing Guek Eav, better known as Duch, ran Toul Sleng, the secret detention centre reserved for “enemies” of the state.

During the 77-day trial, in which he asked for forgiveness, he admitted overseeing the deaths of up to 16,000 men, women and children. Though expected to be found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity, many in this still-traumatised nation are anxiously awaiting the sentence. Anything short of the maximum life behind bars could trigger an outrage.