German broadcaster, GW, has posted an article about the international co-prosecutor at the ECCC calling for the Office of Investigations to examine allegations of serious sexual violence committed during the Khmer Rouge’s 1975-79 rule. The potential widening of the scope of the prosecution of cases at the ECCC reflects research findings about sexual violence that took place during the regime. This move by the international prosecutor comes at a time when there is increasing international concern with addressing sexual violence in conflict.
Prosecutor Seeks Case 004 Rape Investigation
Published by The Cambodia Daily on 25 April 2014
Cambodian Defenders Project and Cambodia Justice Initiative support the request of the international co-prosecutor that the Khmer Rouge Tribunal’s co-investigating judges consider allegations of rape, forced marriage and gender-based violence in their investigation of Case 004.
Read the entire article in The Cambodia Daily
Press Release: Statement by the international co-prosecutor Nicholas Koumjian regarding case file 004
Press release by the ECCC on 24 April 2014
The International Co-Prosecutor of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal filed a Supplementary Submission in Case 004 requesting the investigation of sexual or gender-based violence, as well as forced marriage in key districts that are presently under investigation as part of this case. Preliminary information available indicates that the alleged forced marriages, rapes and sexual violence were perpetrated by Khmer Rouge cadre and occurred in areas where the suspects in Case 004 held command or political positions of influence.
ECCC includes forced marriage and rape in Case 002/02
The Trial Chamber of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) has issued its decision about what will be considered in the scope of the second trial against Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea. We are pleased to report that forced marriage nationwide will be included in the trial in Case 002/02.
Rape (nationwide) outside of the context of forced marriages is also included in the scope. Unfortunately, the Trial Chamber has departed from its own findings in case 001 ruling that rape is a listed crime against humanity. Instead, they will consider rape as an “other inhumane act” and not as a listed crime under crimes against humanity.
2013 Gender Report Card on the International Criminal Court
The Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice has released this month its Gender Report Card on the International Criminal Court (ICC) 2013. The Gender Report Card tracks and analyses progress, challenges and advances in the ICC in terms of gender justice. It summaries significant developments in trials underway or awaiting judgement before the ICC in 2013, as well as appeals proceedings.