You may not alter this information, repost or sell it without permission. If you use this document, you are encouraged to make a donation to Amnesty International to support future research. However, it also brings into focus the weaknesses of the Cambodian judicial system, and the breaches of due process that are commonplace in almost all criminal trials in the country. The widespread and systematic nature of the human rights violations which were committed under the Democractic Kampuchea government between 17 April 1975 and 7 January 1979 constitute crimes against humanity under international law. The Cambodian government has stated its intention to bring Ta Mok to trial in Cambodia, in spite of conclusions of the February 1999 report by a UN Group of Experts, which recommends the establishment of an ad hoc international tribunal to bring to justice those believed responsible for the grave violations of human rights in Cambodia under the Democractic Kampuchea government.
Impunity remains the most serious human rights problem in Cambodia today.
It would be a tragedy for Cambodia and its people if the arrest of Ta Mok, instead of being the catalyst in the establishment of an international court which can deliver justice, serves simply to bury the truth and further institutionalize the impunity which lies at the heart of Cambodia's human rights problems. In present circumstances, Amnesty International believes that the interests of justice are not best served by a prosecution of Ta Mok in Cambodia, under Cambodian law, through a Cambodian court. A fair trial is always a minimum requirement for justice, in each and every case. This is true whether an individual stands accused of petty theft or involvement in one of the most notorious violations of human rights this century, including crimes against humanity. Amnesty International believes only an international option can ensure truth and justice in this and other possible Khmer Rouge cases, in a way that upholds international standards for fairness, and meets the expectations of the Cambodian people and the international community.