Cambodian judges snub dutch lawyer

Khmer Rouge Tribunal's logo.

Phnom Penh - Cambodian judges at the Cambodia Tribunal are refusing to take the oath of a Dutch lawyer who is defending the Khmer Rouge's former second-in-command, Nuon Chea. Their refusal comes after the lawyer, Victor Koppe, challenged the position of one of the Cambodian judges earlier this week.Mr Koppe argues that the judge in question is not impartial because he fought against the Khmer Rouge as a soldier. He also says the same judge has convicted people on political grounds in the past.The Cambodia Tribunal is made up of three Cambodian judges and two judges from other countries. The Cambodian judges' refusal to accept the Dutchman has brought the case to a standstill for the time being.