Published: 31-Jan-12PHNOM PENH (Cambodia Herald) - Former Khmer Rouge chief ideologist Nuon Chea (pictured) on Tuesday made the first references in his trial to senior Cambodian People's Party leaders Heng Samrin and Chea Sim.
“Heng Samrin was a poor, helpful and brave man who could be patient in all types of situations. He took me to Vietnam and he became a commander after Pol Pot began ruling the country," he told the Khmer Rouge tribunal.
"Another one was Chea Sim who was as poor as Heng Samrin and he was also from a clan in Tbong Kmom district.
We were also former classmates."
Nuon Chea, also known as Brother Number Two for his role as Pol Pot's deputy in the Communist Party of Kampuchea, also accused the United States and Vietnam of occupying Cambodia.
"Vietnam was like a python swallowing a rabbit," he said. "I don’t care if I stay in jail but I was concerned about the nation.”
Nuon Chea, former foreign minister Ieng Sary and former head of state Khieu Samphan are on trial for war crimes and genocide allegedly committed during the period of Khmer Rouge rule between 1975 and 1979.
After liberation from the Pol Pot regime in 1979, Heng Samrin served as president and leader of the Khmer People's Revolutionary Party while Chea Sim served as president of the National Assembly elected in 1981. Today, Heng Samrin is president of the National Assembly and Chea Sim is president of the Senate.
1 comment:
Step by step the outcome for real, brother # 2, please keep speaking out because we'd like to know more.
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