Duch releases feeling after confession

Trial of former Tuol Sleng prison chief Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, has proceeding for three months. Now defense lawyer Kar Savuth representing Duch told Rasmei Kampuchea about Duch’s condition and reason why his client admits crimes before Cambodia’s war crimes court.
Can you describe mental condition of your client? How does he feel after three months of trial?
He has released his feeling as admitting his guilt and he reported to the court on who were the most senior murderers in Democratic Kampuchea (DK) and who ordered him to the killing in which he put the order to his subordinates. So he released his feeling and made apology for all the victims’ family. Every seven-day, especially during the Holy Day, he dedicates to the deceased for apology and their spirits to live in peace.
At this point, your client told the court that he was writing a personal statement of apology and confession. When will the statement be disseminated?
Yes, when the trial comes to an end.
This week, Tuol Sleng prison surviving witnesses will appear in the court. Is Duch ready to be confronted with the witnesses?
Yes, he is ready. He had been confronted with witnesses since the phase of investigation. Now he is confronted with the witnesses again before presiding judges. So he is not feared of the truth. Except for exaggeration, he admits all crimes committed at S-21 security center led by him.
In the last hearing of the previous week, your client told that he had just changed stance from blaming Democratic Kampuchea for crimes to acknowledging his crimes instead after meeting with two defense lawyers. Can you explain why you urge your client to admit guilt?
In law of Democratic Kampuchea leaders’ trials, shortly speaking, only two types of persons are to face trials. First: former Democratic Kampuchea senior leaders; second: those most responsible for crimes and the grave breaches of the national and international law. The two types are composed of only 14 persons. Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, is not in the 14 persons. So, I urged him to admit all crimes occurring at S-21. Let him to do confession because his name is not in the types of persons.
If he admits crimes, is it meant he is being confronted with conviction?
If he admits guilt and found guilty of being most responsible for crimes and the grave breaches of the national and international law, he will not fear for the conviction. If not found guilt, the lawyers see that Duch is not in the 14 persons. The lawyers are not feared to urge Duch confess his crimes.
How about your client’s health condition?
His health condition is normal, but in a little problem. As you see how many judges, prosecutors, civil parties, and defense lawyers are in the hearing? All of them put questions to him in the morning and afternoon’s hearing. So he is difficult to think.
Unofficial Translation