PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – In its monthly update, the Open Society Justice Initiative reported on the recent events occurring within the Khmer Rouge Tribunal while criticizing the tribunal’s lack of transparency, budget problems, and the tension between the Cambodian government and the United Nations.

Recently, the Pre-Trial Chamber rejected Nuon Chea’s attempts to disqualify Judge Ney Thol, annual the record of his initial appearance, and provisional detention hearings. The Khmer Rouge Tribunal has also hired staff for a Victims Unit that will aid victims to become civil parties to the litigation and file complaints with the office of prosecutors.

Despite the progress of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, the court still lacks transparency, which impedes the public’s ability to understand and criticize the tribunal’s work. In addition, the tribunal soon will request $113.7 million in additional funds because the Cambodian side of the budget will be exhausted in April 2008. And the Cambodian government has opposed attempts by the United Nations to place a special advisor for administrative needs.

For more information, please see:

Open Society Justice Initiative – New Khmer Rouge Tribunal Report Gives Latest Updates on Five Cases, Budget Needs, More – 3 March 2009