Friday, 4 April 2008

Australia injects funds into Cambodia trial

The Cambodian trials of former Khmer Rouge leaders, including prison chief Duch (pictured) have been given a financial boost to continue. [AFP]

Radio Australia

Cambodia's genocide tribunal will receive a further $A450,000 from Australia.

It comes amid fears money troubles could further delay the UN-backed proceedings, months before the first defendants go on trial.

Court officials had warned that without a cash infusion, the part of the tribunal under Cambodian control would face bankruptcy in May.

The tribunal was originally budgeted at about $50 million over three years, but estimates have now risen to $170 million.

Five former leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime will stand trial for their alleged role in one of the 20th century's worst atrocities, in which up to two million people died.

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