Joint statement on Case 002/01 judgement

Joint Statement by His Excellency Dr Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers

and

Mr. Stephen Mathias, Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs of
the United Nations

Phnom Penh, 7 August 2014

We welcome the delivery of the judgment by the Trial Chamber of the Extraordinary
Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) in Case 002/01 on 7 August 2014.
The delivery of today's verdict is a milestone in the work of the ECCC, and a historic
moment in international criminal justice. It is also a momentous day for the people of
Cambodia. Since the Khmer Rouge regime was overthrown on 7 January 1979, just
over 35 years ago, the Cambodian people have struggled to rebuild their society.
The work of the ECCC, a national court established with international participation
and assistance, demonstrates the commitment on the part of the United Nations, the
Royal Government of Cambodia and the international community that there must be
justice for the victims of the shocking crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge
regime.

The Royal Government of Cambodia and the United Nations Secretary-General have
repeatedly emphasized that there must be no impunity for the most serious
international crimes. The independent judicial process must be permitted to run its
course to ensure that those who would perpetrate serious crimes are held
accountable.

The ECCC has demonstrated that it has the capacity to conduct complex
prosecutions in accordance with due process and international standards. In
February 2012 the judgment in Case 001 was finalised, with the conviction of the
director of the notorious 5-21 prison for crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Today's verdict is the outcome of a noteworthy judiCial process. Almost one
hundred individuals have given live evidence in Case 002/01. The ECCC has
provided unprecedented victim participation by almost 4,000 Civil Parties
throughout the trial. They were able to describe their suffering and make claims for
reparation. More than 100,000 people visited the court to see the trial, while millions
more followed it through live television, radio broadcasts and the internet. The
process will serve as an invaluable historical record for the people of Cambodia and
the wider world.

We take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to all who have
contributed to this process - the judges and prosecutors, lawyers, court officials and
staff, both national and international. Moreover, today's verdict is testament to the
long-term commitment, both internationally and nationally, to provide the ECCC
with the necessary resources to ensure that justice is done for the people of
Cambodia.

We look forward to the ECCC continuing its important work. We call upon all
involved to continue to support and uphold the independent judicial process.