Debates on the thirteenth day of the trial of Duch were again studded with concern over translation. Part of the interrogation of the accused regarding the creation of S-21 – the centre became fully operational in October 1975 - was even obscured by co-Prosecutors. As for the Parties, they expressed their impatience about having at last the Trial Chamber come to a decision regarding certain matters mentioned right at the beginning of the trial. A feeling of disorganisation sometimes pervades during hearings and will probably stretch over a good few months.
The French lawyer wonders about the issue of interpretation. The president replies that the Trial Chamber has taken note of it, and adds that this decision pertains to the discretion of the Court and the administrative part of the tribunal, and that a letter will be communicated to the administration and a copy sent to all of the Parties. The urgency in sorting out this tricky problem was at issue after the lunch break. The president of the Chamber makes an announcement in Khmer, which is first translated into English and then into French: “The Chamber does not intend to plan any hearings in July and August...” A few protagonists frown, surprised. Judge Cartwright quickly puts right the translation provided by interpreters: No, the Chamber “does not intend to adjourn hearings in July and August”! Co-Lawyer for Duch François Roux seizes this opportunity: “Once more, I draw the attention of the Chamber. We are in a judicial process. Do you realise the tragic consequences there might be on some declarations made by the accused or witnesses, when after the interpretation, we end up with something that is totally the contrary?!”
http://cambodia.ka-set.info/khmer-rouge/news-tribunal-duch-roux-co-prosecutor-s-21-translation-torture-090428.html
