The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) has been informed by the legal guardian that the accused person Ieng Thirith passed away at approximately 10:30 am on 22 August 2015 in Pailin, Cambodia.

The Co-Prosecutors of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (“the ECCC”) have now completed their investigation and report into the death of Ieng Sary.  The Co-Prosecutors have concluded that Ieng Sary’s death, on 14 March 2013 in the Khmer Soviet Hospital, was from natural causes.  The full report was transmitted today to the Acting Director of Administration and the Deputy Director of Administration.

The following statement was issued by the ECCC Office of Administration regarding the the passing of Ieng Sary:It is with regret the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) announces the death of the accused person Ieng Sary. Mr. Ieng died at the Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital this morning after having been hospitalized since 4 March 2013.  In accordance with the ECCC Internal Rule 32 bis, the Co-Prosecutors will determine the cause of death after relevant enquiries. The Co-Prosecutors will issue a written report on their findings in due course.

Following the hearings on 18, 20 and 21 February the Trial Chamber has informed the parties about two upcoming expert testimonies and the way forward as follows:

On 8 February 2013, the Supreme Court Chamber of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) rendered its decision on an immediate appeal by the Co-Prosecutors against a decision of the Trial Chamber denying, in part, to expand the scope of the first trial in Case 002.