Information on Fair Trial Rights

The Defence Support Section (DSS) at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of
Cambodia (ECCC) issues this press statement to inform all of those who are concerned
that they may be subject to investigations before the ECCC that they are entitled to the
following fair trial rights under ECCC law, the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia and
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights:
 
• The right to be presumed innocent as long as guilt has not been established according to
the law by an independent and impartial tribunal.
 
• The right to remain silent and not to provide self-incriminating evidence, not only when
interviewed by investigators and judges but also when questioned by members of the
public, media and others.
 
• The right to legal counsel of one’s own choosing, including, for example, when a suspect
is summoned by the ECCC for an interview or questioning, receives official notice of
charges against him or her, or is arrested and detained. The DSS assists suspects in
securing effective legal representation.
 
For further information and requests for assistance, please telephone the DSS on +855
(0)23 219 814 ext 6232 or send an email to roy4@un.org.
 
Nisha Valabhji
Officer-in-Charge
Defence Support Section
 
The DSS works to ensure respect for fair trial rights at the ECCC, guaranteeing effective
legal representation for suspects and accused. The DSS promotes fair trial rights, helping
members of the public better understand the trials at the ECCC and, as part of the legacy of
the ECCC, their fundamental rights within the national justice system

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