Key Events

2019

Pre-Trial Chamber issues Considerations on the Appeals against Closing Orders in Case 004/02

The Pre-Trial Chamber issued its Considerations on the Appeals against the Closing Orders in Case 004/02 against Ao An. Since the Chamber had “not attained the required majority of four affirmative votes to reach a decision based on common reasoning on the merits”, the judges attached their respective opinions to the unanimous considerations.

 

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Supreme Court Chamber clarifies impact of Nuon Chea’s death

The Supreme Court Chamber clarified the impact on appeal proceedings of Nuon Chea’s death prior to the rendering of an appeal judgement.

 

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Supreme Court Chamber terminates proceedings against Nuon Chea

The Supreme Court Chamber terminated all proceedings against Nuon Chea following his death.

 

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Nuon Chea dies

Accused Nuon Chea died while admitted to hospital.

 

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Co-Investigating Judges issue Closing Orders in Case 004

The Co-Investigating Judges issued separate Closing Orders in Case 004 against Yim Tith. The National Co-Investigating Judge dismissed the case for lack of personal jurisdiction. The International Co-Investigating Judge indicted Meas Muth for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and

violations of the 1956 Cambodian Penal Code.

 

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2018

Co-Investigating Judges issue Closing Orders in Case 003

The Co-Investigating Judges issued separate Closing Orders in Case 003 against Meas Muth. The National Co-Investigating Judge dismissed the case for lack of personal jurisdiction. The International Co-Investigating Judge indicted Meas Muth for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and

violations of the 1956 Cambodian Penal Code.

 

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Trial Chamber renders judgment in Case 002/02

The Trial Chamber announced a summary of its findings and the disposition in Case 002/02 against Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan. The Chamber found Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea guilty of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, and sentenced them each to life imprisonment.

 

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Co-Investigating Judges Issue Closing Orders in the Case Against Ao An

The Co-Investigating Judges issued separate Closing Orders against Ao An. The National Co-Investigating Judge issued a dismissal of the case, finding that Ao An did not fall within the personal jurisdiction of the ECCC. The International Co-Investigating Judge indicted Ao An for genocide, crimes against humanity and violations of the 1956 Cambodian Penal Code.

Please see the link to the public redacted version of these documents.

Pre-Trial Chamber Issues Considerations on International Co-Prosecutor’s Appeal of the Closing Order Against Im Chaem

The Pre-Trial Chamber issued its considerations on the International Co-Prosecutor’s appeal against the dismissal of the case against Im Chaem. The Pre-Trial Chamber unanimously held that the Co-Investigating Judges erred in relation to the method of evaluating evidence and the jurisdiction of Cambodian courts to try cases relating to the Khmer Rouge. The Pre-Trial Chamber judges were unable to reach a super-majority on the merits of the appeal. Judges Prak, Ney, and Huot agreed with the dismissal. Judges Baik and Beauvallet disagreed with the Co-Investigating Judges assessment of the evidence and conclusions, and held that Im Chaem did fall within the jurisdiction of the ECCC and should be sent to trial.

Please see the link to the document.

Pre-Trial Chamber Issues Decision on International Co-Prosecutor’s Appeals of Decision Redacting the Closing Order Against Im Chaem

The Pre-Trial Chamber issued its decision on the International Co-Prosecutor’s appeal against the redaction of the Closing Order against Im Chaem or, alternatively, the request for its reclassification. The Pre-Trial Chamber unanimously ordered the Co-Investigating Judges to issue a public version of the Closing Order with only the identifying information of witnesses under protective measures redacted.

Please see the link to the document.

2017

Co-Investigating Judges Issue Reasons For Dismissal Of The Case Against Im Chaem

The Co-Investigating Judges issued the reasons for the closing order of 22 February 2017 in which they dismissed the case against Im Chaem for lack of personal jurisdiction. 

Please see the link of the public redacted version of these reasons.

Closing Statements in Case 002/02

The Trial Chamber concluded nine days of closing statements in Case 002/02 against Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan. Evidentiary hearings in the trial commenced with opening statements on 8 January 2015 and concluded on 11 January 2017. The trial, including closing statements, lasted for a total of 283 hearing days.

 

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Co-Investigating Judges Dismiss Case Against Im Chaem

The Co-Investigating Judges issued a joint closing order in the proceedings against Im Chaem in Case 004/01.

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2016

Supreme Court Chamber quashes part of the convictions, affirms life imprisonment for Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan in Case 002/01

The Supreme Court Chamber upheld Nuon Chea’s and Khieu Samphan’ s convictions and affirms life imprisonment in Case 002/01.

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2015

Trial Chamber terminates proceedings against Ieng Thirith

The Trial Chamber terminated proceedings against Ieng Thirith following her death while under judicial supervision.

 

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Ieng Thirith dies

Former Accused Ieng Thirith died while under judicial supervision.

 

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2014

Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea sentenced to life imprisonment

The Trial Chamber found Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan guilty of crimes against humanity in Case 002/01 and sentenced both of them to life imprisonment.

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2013

Closing Statements in Case 002/01

The Trial Chamber concluded ten days of closing statements in Case 002/01 against Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan. Evidentiary hearings in the trial commenced on 21 November 2011 and concluded on 23 July 2013. The trial, including closing statements, lasted for a total of 222 hearing days.

 

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Ieng Sary dies

After having been hospitilized for more than a week, Ieng Sary died at Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital at 08:45 on 14 March 2013. The cases against him was formally terminated the same day.

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2012

Kaing Guek Eav sentenced to life imprisonment by the Supreme Court Chamber

In its decision an appeals, the Supreme Court Chamber sentenced KAING Guek Eav alias Duch to life imprisonment, the maximum sentence available under the law, for crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the 1949 Geneva Conventions. The handing down of the appeals judgement marked the completion of Case 001.
 

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2011

Opening Statements in Case 002

The trial in Case 002 started with opening statements where the Co-Prosecutors outlined the case they would present against the Accused Persons.

Ieng Thirith declared unfit to stand trial

The Trial Chamber found Ieng Thirith unfit to stand trial due to dementia, and stayed proceedings against her.

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Case 002 initial hearing

The Trial Chamber commenced four days of initial hearing in Case 002 against Khieu Samphan, Ieng sary, Nuon Chea and Ieng Thirith.

Pre-Trial Chamber affirms and partially amends Case 002 indictments

Following appeals from the accused persons, the Pre-Trial Chamber affirmed and partially amended the indictments in the Case 002 Closing Order, and ordered the case sent for trial.

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2010

Co-Investigating Judges indict Nuon Chea, Khieu Samphan, Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith

The Co-Investigating Judges issued the Closing Order in Case 002, indicting the four accused persons on charges of crimes against humanity, grave breaches og the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and genocide against the Cham and Vietnamese.

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Kaing Guek Eav alias Duch found guilty of crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the 1949 Geneva conventions

The Trial Chamber of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) today found KAING Guek Eav alias Duch guilty of crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and sentenced him to 35 (thirty-five) years of imprisonment.  

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2009

International Co-Prosecutor requests investigation of five additional suspects

The international Co-Prosecutor submitted two new introductory submissions, requesting the Co-Investigating Judges to initiate investigations into allegations of crimes allegedly committed by five suspected persons. The two new introductory submissions was the basis for the creation of Case Files 003 and 004.

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Opening statements in Case 001

The trial in the case against Kaing Guek Eav alias Duch started with opening statements from the Co-Prosecutors.

Initial hearing in Case 001

The Trial Chamber commenced the initial hearing in the trial against Kaing Guek Eav alias Duch.

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2008

Pre-Trial Chamber affirms and partially amends the indictment of Kaing Guek Eav

Following an appeal from the Co-Prosecutors, the Pre-Trial Chamber affirmed and partially amended the indictment against Kaing Guek Eav alias, Duch, and ordered the case sent for trial.

Co-Investigating Judges indict Kaing Guek Eav alias Duch

The Co-Investigating Judges issued the Closing Order in Case 001, indicting Kaing Guek Eav alias Duch for crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

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2007

Khieu Samphan arrested and placed in provisional detention

Khieu Samphan was arrested and placed in provisional detention on charges of crimes against himanity and grave breaches of the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

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Arrest of Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith

Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith were arrested and brought before the ECCC. Following an adversarial hearing 14 November 2007, they were placed in provisional detention.

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Nuon Chea arrested and placed in provisional detention

Nuon Chea was charged with crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and placed in provisional detention.

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Kaing Guek Eav placed in provisional detention

Kaing Guek Eav alias Duch was charged with crimes against humanity and placed in provisional detention at the ECCC.

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Co-Prosecutors request investigation of five suspects

The Co-Prosecutors filed their First Introductory Submission, requesting the Co-Investigating Judges to open investigation against five suspects for  crimes against humanity, genocide, grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions, homicide, torture and religious persecution.

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ECCC Plenary adopts Internal Rules

The Plenary Session of judicial officers adopted the Internal Rules of the ECCC.

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2006

Swearing in of judges and co-prosecutors

Following their appointment by the Supreme Council of Magistracy on 4 May 2006, the national and international judges and co-prosecutors were sworn in at a ceremony in front of the statue of the Late King His Majesty Preah Karuna Preahbat Samdech Preah Norodom.

First staff members take up duties

The Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Administration and the first group of staff members take up their duties at the ECCC premises.

2005

ECCC Agreement entered into force

The "Agreement between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia concerning the Prosecution under Cambodian Law of Crimes Committed during the period of Democratic Kampuchea", entered into force.

2004

Amendments to the ECCC Law promulgated

His Majesty King Norodom promulgated amendments to "Law on the Establishment of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia for the Prosecution of Crimes Committed during the Period of Democratic Kampuchea".The amendments had been passed by the National Assembly and approved by the Senate and the constitutional council for the purpose of harmonizing the law with the ECCC Agreement.

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ECCC Agreement ratified by Cambodia

"Agreement between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia concerning the prosecution under the Cambodian law of crimes committed during the period of Democratic Kampuchea" was ratified and the Instrument of Ratification were sent to the United Nations.

2003

Signing of the ECCC Agreement

"Agreement between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia Concerning the Prosecution under Cambodian Law of Crimes Committed during the Period of Democratic Kampuchea" was signed by HE Deputy Prime Minister Sok An and United Nations Under-Secretary-General Hans Corell at Chaktomuk Theatre in Phnom Penh.

2001

The ECCC Law promulgated

His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk signed the "Law on the Establishment of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia for the Prosecution of Crimes Committed during the Period of Democratic Kampuchea". The draft law had been passed by the National Assembly on 11 July 2001 and approved by the Senate and the Constitutional Council on 11 July and 7 August 2001 respectively.

1997

Cambodian Co-Prime Ministers request United Nations assistance in organizing the process for the Khmer Rouge trials.

Norododom Ranariddh and Hun Sen, the Cambodian Co-Prime Ministers at the time, sent a letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations where they requested "the assistance of the United Nations and the international community in bringing to justice those persons responsible for the genocide and crimes against humanity during the rule of the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979."