Press Releases
Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan on the Khmer Rouge Trials :
A judgment against former senior leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime
1. On August 7 (both local and Japan times), the Trial Chamber of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia pronounced a sentence of life imprisonment against Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan, former senior leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime.
2. The Khmer Rouge Trials are the crucial step toward the conclusion of the entire peace process in Cambodia, and will contribute to delivering justice and strengthening the rule of law in the country. Japan has therefore been playing a leading role in the international community in extending support for the trials, and welcomes the progress of the trial process.
3. Japan strongly hopes that the trials continue to proceed smoothly and that its mission be completed expeditiously and successfully, bearing in mind the advanced age of both the accused and the victims.