The first week of evidence hearings in the long anticipated trial for case 002 recently came to a close. Despite daily disruptions regarding various procedural matters, the Court demonstrated its flexibility when it came to health issues resulting from the advanced ages of the accused, witnesses and civil parties. Due to the high blood pressure of Nuon Chea, two Civil Parties were called early to start their testimony. Both elderly Civil Parties, who are assisted by ADHOC, live in remote areas in Rattanakiri and also suffer from deteriorating health. Mr. Klan Fit and Mr. Roman Yun are from the Kachak minority, and they gave testimony about their roles and the structure of the Khmer Rouge.
Mr. Klan Fit was questioned by one of the Civil Party Lawyers about his role within the Khmer Rouge both before and after the evacuation of Phnom Penh in 1975. He elaborated on the tasks he undertook for the Khmer Rouge, noting that he played several roles – e.g. working as a messenger, educating others – as well as being appointed village chief and the person responsible for the agricultural production, which he was informed was necessary for the revolution. Later on as Commune Chief he was charged with the education of the people and their protection from the Vietnamese. He attended trainings on this matter held by Nuon Chea in Phnom Penh.
During this time he met Ieng Sary at two meetings and was told that educating people at the commune level is necessary to engrain a firm position against their enemies. It was also revealed in the hearing that Mr. Fit built houses and underground bunkers for both Ieng Sary and Pol Pot.
The following day, due to the illness of Mr Fit, the second civil party participant, Mr. Romam Yun was scheduled to testify. Mr Yun was questioned about his positions and tasks during the Khmer Rouge regime. Like Mr Fit, he was a messenger and delivered messages to Van (a known alias for Ieng Sary), and was subsequently appointed commune chief. He answered that he was tasked to “sweep” his area “clean” of enemies, however he revised his statement later on and said it meant to clear the village of grass.
After an afternoon break, the court excused the two civil parties, Klan Fit and Romam Yun, allowing them to return to their homes. The court informed the parties that these two men would be recalled at a later date, but it would likely not be until January 2012.
