According to the sheet Khmer Timesthe Cambodian cabinet headed by Prime Minister Hun Manet on January 25 passed a draft Law against non-recognition of crimes committed during the period of Democratic Kampuchea (1975-1979).
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen (front row, middle) and Prime Minister Hun Manet (right) at the ceremony commemorating the victory over the genocidal regime of Pol Pot 7.1 in Phnom Penh
The draft law includes 7 articles developed at the request of the Chairman of the Senate, Chairman of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party Hun Sen, when he chaired the celebration of the 46th anniversary of the victory over the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime on January 7.
According to the draft law, those who do not recognize but also glorify crimes committed during the period of Democratic Kampuchea, as well as crimes recognized by the Special Court for the Crime of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia (ECCC) admitted or on trial, will be punished to bring justice to the victims and prevent similar actions from recurring.
Violators can be imprisoned from 1 to 5 years and fined from 10 million to 50 million riel (62 million to 311 million VND).
Cambodia announced the death of the ‘butcher’ of the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime
The draft law clearly states the crimes identified by the ECCC, including genocide, crimes against humanity and violations of the 1949 Geneva Convention. In addition, the draft law also aims to record all crimes against humanity. humanity under the Khmer Rouge regime led by Pol Pot, lasting 3 years, 8 months and 20 days. According to AFP, about 2 million people died from starvation, torture, forced labor and summary execution during the period 1975-1979.
Cambodian government spokesman Pen Bona said the draft law will soon be presented to the National Assembly for approval, according to AFP. This bill will replace a similar law passed in 2013, banning statements denying the crimes of the Khmer Rouge and carrying a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison.
