Political relations

The Khmer Rouge Tribunal has just handed down its verdict in the first trial against the authors of crimes perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge. Kaing Gaek Eav, alias Duch, who headed the S-21 detention center, was found guilty of crimes against humanity and condemned to 30 years in prison.

This decision ends the long wait by families of the victims.

France, which has always stood by the Cambodian people, has relentlessly supported those who refused to see Khmer Rouge crimes go unpunished and is pleased that justice was served.

France welcomes the efforts of the Tribunal and its Cambodian and international staff. France supported the Tribunal both when it was established and in the course of its work, notably by allocating 4 million euros in aid between 2005 and 2010.

France will also continue to support the plaintiffs and their attorneys, as it has done in the past.

France is aware of the importance of this process for the Cambodian people and for international justice. No crime should go unpunished.