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The government of Cambodia recently approved a landmark draft law that would punish those who deny or justify the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge. This is a very important step in preserving the memory of Cambodia's tragic past and ensuring justice for the victims. Here are five key things you need to know about the proposed law:
1. Stringent Penalties for Genocide Denial
The most jarring detail in the draft law is the severe punishment it calls for against denial or condoning of the crimes committed by the Khmer Rouge regime. A person found guilty can be sentenced to serve up to five years in prison and ordered to pay fines between $2,500 to $125,000. This is a quantum leap from an older law on its books providing for up to two years in jail.
2. To Stop Atrocities in the Future
The law does not stop at punishing the deniers but to ensure atrocities never happen again in the future. The official criminalization of the Khmer Rouge's atrocities by the government will look towards guarding against a repeat of the past. In other words, this law does not allow people to forget all that happened in 1975-79.
3. To Thoroughly Define Atrocities
What is an atrocity in law is broadly defined and includes genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. These are the same terms used during the trials of the senior Khmer Rouge leaders and place the law on firm legal and historical footing.
4. The Role of Former Leader Hun Sen
It was driven by former Prime Minister Hun Sen, an influential Cambodian political force for decades, before stepping down in 2023 and continuing to oversee major policy decisions. Hun Sen himself had been a cadre of the Khmer Rouge, adding another layer to the political dynamics leading up to this law.
5. Imminent Parliamentary Approval
While the law was already approved in a cabinet meeting, it still needs to pass through the Cambodian parliament. It is expected to be debated and passed shortly, possibly to time with the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge takeover midway this month, which will add to the symbolism of Cambodia's painful past.