23/11/2016 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 23 November, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service hailed the confirmation that same day by the Supreme Court Chamber of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC or so-called Khmer Rouge Tribunal) of the life sentences imposed on the former Khmer head of state, Khieu Samphan, and second in command, Nuon Chea, for crimes against humanity after the Khmer Rouge seized power in 1975. “This decision is an important step forward in international criminal law and in the fight against impunity for serious human rights violations”, said the spokesperson in a press release. She said that the court had “played a crucial role in addressing a very painful chapter in the history of Cambodia”. The EU looks forward to the completion of the work of the ECCC, which will make an important contribution to justice and the reconciliation process in Cambodia, she added. (CG)