Tuesday, 18 August 2009

Hamill gives emotional testimony in Cambodia

NZCity, NewsTalkZB
http://home.nzcity.co.nz

Emotional testimony given by trans-Atlantic rower Rob Hamill at a Cambodian war crimes trial into his brother's torture and murder

18 August 2009

Trans-Atlantic rower Rob Hamill has testified at the war crimes trial in Cambodia of the Khmer Rouge commander Khaing Khek Iav, also known as "Comrade Duch."

Hamill's brother Kerry, who was aged 27, was tortured and killed by the Communist regime at the camp where Duch ruled, 31 years ago. He and two fellow sailors were snatched from their storm-blown yacht when it strayed into Cambodian waters in 1978.

Stuart Glass, a crew member from Canada was shot and Hamill and John Dewhirst from Britain were interrogated and tortured for two months and were then killed.

Rob Hamill has delivered his 13 page address to the Extraordinary Court of Cambodia, which is being run with the help of the UN. He spoke of the terrible impact the loss of Kerry had on his family.

Duch, who is now 66, has pleaded guilty to murder but claims he was following orders.

One of the five judges is former New Zealand Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright.

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