The sentence which Comrade Duch has received for his role in the Khmer Rouge killings at Camp Tuol Sleng Prison is an embarrassment.  Does his sentence really taken into account the enormity of his involvement? During his time as the head of the prison he colluded in the deaths of an estimated 12,000 people and for this horrific crime he has been given a measly 30 years in jail, taking into account time spent there since 1999.  This man, who has admitted responsibility and even made a public apology in court to this effect, should not have been given a definitive prison sentence but be told that he will spend the rest of his life in prison.

As it is, unless his appeal against his sentence is successful, it is unlikely that Duch will ever come out of jail given his current age of 67.  Nonetheless those who suffered in the camp or lost relatives there have expressed disappointment with the court’s verdict which they deem insufficient.

It seems incredible that it has taken quite so long to convict Duch too.  The Khmer Rouge were toppled over thirty years ago and yet it has taken all this time to bring those responsible within the Khmer Rouge to justice for the appalling atrocities which the regime committed during its brief time in power.  Given Duch’s sentencing, the prosecution of other Khmer Rouge leaders is now being eagerly anticipated even though much of the current generation were born after the Khmer Rouge’s time in power and will be incapable of remembering the unforgivable crimes the Communist regime committed.

Certainly it is hoped that these further trials are speedily conducted especially given that the defendents are increasingly elderly, some suffering with ill health and might die unless they are brought before the courts soon.  On another level, the trial of these Khmer Rouge leaders is an important step for the country which doubtless is eager to reach closure over this troubled period in its past and move forward in a positive way.  Arguably until these men are tried this will not be easily achieved.