Premier’s Remarks Violate Tribunal Rules: Defense

"I am not interfering with the court. But it is not the court that stopped the war. Be careful -- the court will create war, causing division of society again," Hun Sen said in a speech in the capital Phnom Penh. (Photo: Reuters)

By Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
08 December 2009

The defense team for jailed Khmer Rouge leader Nuon Chea has issued a letter to tribunal investigators claiming recent public remarks by Prime Minister Hun Sen could jeopardize their client’s trial.

Hun Sen’s public warnings, that proceedings at the UN-backed court could destabilize the country, could be constituted as a “threat” against potential witnesses, the defense team said in a letter sent to investigating judges on Monday.

“Hun Sen’s most recent remarks will be seen as a direct physical threat against potential witnesses who may wish to give evidence” to investigating judges, the lawyers, Michiel Pestmen and Victor Coppe, wrote.

Hun Sen’s remarks violate Article 35 of the tribunal’s internal rules, which prohibits “any person” from threatening, intimidating, causing injury or offering bribes to witnesses or potential witnesses, the team wrote.

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