(VOVworld) - A UN-backed tribunal in Cambodia has sentenced two top Khmer Rouge leaders to life in prison for charges of crimes against humanity.
The historic verdicts were announced on Thursday against Khieu Samphan, the regime’s 83-year-old former head of state, and Nuon Chea, its 88-year-old chief ideologue.
They were accused of committing crimes against humanity, genocide, political oppression, and other inhumane activities, said the tribunal's chief judge, Nil Nonn. These two figures have the right of appeal but will still be kept in custody until a final decision is made due to their crimes’ seriousness.
Prosecutors proposed life-sentences for the accused, the last leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime that murdered approximately 2 million people from 1975 to 1979. The verdict was made after a 2 year prolonged trial, bringing some justice for Khmer Rouge victims, 3 decades after the regime’s collapse.