Chea Sim, the president of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party and the head of the Senate, warned against more cases going forward at the UN-backed Khmer Rouge tribunal on Wednesday, echoing warnings of the prime minister that have sparked concern of political interference at the court.
The tribunal is prepared to try four leaders of the regime for atrocity crimes later this year, but the court still has two more controversial cases on its docket that would require further indictments, which Prime Minister Hun Sen opposes.
Speaking at a party congress on Wednesday, Chea Sim said the upcoming trial of Nuon Chea, Khieu Samphan, Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith should be enough “to find justice” and “ensure peace and national reconciliation.”
The tribunal had an initial hearing for the four jailed leaders in June, with a full trial expected later this year.
However, the court’s investigative judges have come under criticism for hastily concluding a third case in April, prompting an appeal from the international prosecutor. Their investigation into a fourth case has not yet been concluded.
Members of the CPP, meanwhile, have ignored a court summons for testimony from the former international investigative judge.