Decision delayed on Ieng Thirith

Bridget Di Certo
Wednesday, 07 December 2011
The Phnom Penh Post

The Khmer Rouge Supreme Court Chamber will not issue a decision on former Social Action Minister Ieng Thirith’s (pictured) continued detention until next week, court officials said yesterday.

The Supreme Court Chamber originally had 15 days to rule on the co-prosecutors’ appeal against the immediate and unconditional release of Ieng Thirith, who has been found unfit to stand trial.

“The Supreme Court Chamber judges have determined that there are exceptional circumstances and have moved the deadline for their decision to next Monday, December 12,” the tribunal’s legal affairs spokesman Lars Olsen said.

Last month, the Trial Chamber found Ieng Thirith unfit to stand trial due to her affliction with a progressive, dementing illness – most likely Alzheimer’s. A judicial paralysis in decision-making forced the hand of the chamber to order the unconditional release of Ieng Thirith, wife of co-accused Ieng Sary.

Ieng Thirith’s international legal counsel, Diana Ellis, told the Post the Supreme Court Chamber’s delay was “regrettable”.