Further Steps in ECCC Cases 003 and 004?

The Phnom Penh Post has reported that the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia has taken steps to inform suspects of the charges against them in the controversial Cases 003 and 004. The move comes after years of contention which saw the mass resignation of Office of the Co-Investigating Judges staff, and later that of International Co-Investigating Judge Siegfried Blunk.

Reserve Co-Investigating Judge Laurent Kasper-Ansermet has had a hostile reception from his Cambodian counter-part, but it is believed that the newfound momentum in Cases 003 and 004 is down to him.

The Phnom Penh Post reports that apparent Case 004 Suspect Im Chem received a visit from five ECCC representatives last week, who handed her “many many documents” and read the charges against her.

It has been the long-held view of the Defence Support Section that the suspects are “entitled to their fundamental right to individual legal representation,” says Officer-in-Charge Nisha Valabhji.

Though the DSS has not formally been informed of the identities of the suspects, which have been widely publicised in the press, it has made several requests to represent their general interests. These requests have been declined.

The full Phnom Penh Post article is available here.