Defense lawyers for two Khmer Rouge leaders on trial at the UN-backed tribunal said Monday the resignation announcement of a Swiss judge last week was further evidence of government interference in cases there.
Laurent Kasper-Ansermet announced his resignation last week, citing obstruction from the office of his Cambodian counterpart, You Bunleng.
You Bunleng said in a written response Monday the Swiss judge had “committed professional mistakes” and had resigned as a result.
You Bunleng denied he obstructed Kasper-Ansermet’s work, but he said he did not recognize his legitimacy without the approval of the Cambodian Supreme Council of Magistracy.
Kasper-Ansermet had “committed professional mistakes,” You Bunleng wrote, and was “stubborn.”
Meanwhile, as the court proceeded with the trial of three Khmer Rouge leaders, the lawyer for Nuon Chea said Kasper-Ansermet’s resignation demonstrated continued “political interference” at the court. He asked the court for “an appropriate investigation” into allegations of misconduct outlined by Kasper-Ansermet in his resignation.