‘Unfit for trial’ leader of Khmer Rouge is released from prison

Published on 17/09/2012 00:00

One of the former Khmer Rouge’s highest-ranking leaders has been freed from detention in Cambodia after a war crimes tribunal declared her mentally unfit for trial.

Ieng Thirith, 80, was driven away from the UN-backed tribunal’s compound by family members yesterday.

The court said it would impose restrictions on her release after prosecutors appealed against a decision to free her without conditions.

Until the appeal is heard, she must remain in Cambodia, inform authorities of her address and report to court when called.

Ieng Thirith was social affairs minister during the Khmer Rouge’s 1975-79 reign that left some 1.7 million people dead.

The tribunal said she suffers from a degenerative illness, probably Alzheimer’s, that left “no prospect” for her to face trial.