Cambodians doubt Khmer Rouge prison chief's contrition

Mrs. Phoeung Sunthary, daughter of Prof. Phoeung Ton (Photo: Chan Lyda, RFI)

Friday, July 23, 2010
By Patrick Falby
AFP

"Duch never talked about real things. Duch did not say sorry to the people -- he just said sorry to the judges" - Chum Mey, former S-21 prisoner

PHNOM PENH — When his trial started at Cambodia's UN-backed war crimes court, former Khmer Rouge prison chief Duch opened his defence with an apology for his role in the blood-soaked regime.

Duch, who will be handed his verdict early next week, told judges last year that he felt "regret and heartfelt sorrow" for the murders of around 15,000 people in the late 1970s at Tuol Sleng, also known as S-21.

"I would like to emphasise that I am responsible for the crimes committed at S-21, especially the torture and execution of people there," said Duch, whose real name is Kaing Guek Eav.
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