Dispensation of justice by the extraordinary chambers in the courts of Cambodia: a critical appraisal

This article examines the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodiaestablished to try those responsible for the atrocities perpetrated against theCambodian people by the former Khmer Rouge Regime (1975-1979). It focuses on thetrial of the first case conducted by the ECCC which resulted in the ‘lenient’judgment. The paper then outlines in details the factors such as political interference,corrupt practices and inordinate delay of the legal process which are undermining theECCC’s credibility to administer fair justice to the victims of genocide, crimes againsthumanity and war crimes. Finally, it stresses on the fact that the failure of the ECCCand its stakeholders to duly address these fundamental issues would end in thefarcical dispensation of justice