PHNOM PENH: After almost 16 years, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia will permanently close by the end of 2022. This was confirmed during Monday’s plenary session of the National Assembly. The ECCC is considered a “hybrid court”, created by the Cambodian government in conjunction with the United Nations. Its main purpose was to provide justice to Cambodians who were victims of the Khmer Rouge.

Commonly known as the Cambodia Tribunal or Khmer Rouge Tribunal, the court has heard a litany of pain and suffering. The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia was established for the trials of the Khmer Rouge’s senior leaders and those most responsible for violations of international law during the Cambodian genocide.

It was established in February 2006 and after almost 16 years, the court is set to close. The National Assembly’s plenary session on Monday confirmed that it will be closed by the end of next year. Khmer Rouge tribunal spokesman, Neth Pheaktra, has told EAC News that before concluding its mission, the court has three more tasks. One of the biggest is the appeal of Khieu Samphan, Pol Pot’s last henchman and the last surviving leader of the Khmer Rouge. A ruling on his appeal is not expected before the fourth quarter of 2022.