Monday, June 22, MCC had the opportunity to attend the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, otherwise known as the Khmer Rouge Tribunal. Guek Eav Kaing, alias Duch, is standing trial for “crimes against humanity, grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, homicide and torture.” As part of the Khmer Rouge Regime, Duch was Deputy Secretary and, then in 1976, Secretary of S-21 (Toul Sleng). The topic for Monday was the daily operation of S-21. The morning was slightly boring as it was Duch agreeing that a certain document held his handwriting about a confession or order. The afternoon was slightly more interesting, and frankly annoying, in that the prosecuting lawyers kept asking questions that had been asked in earlier sessions and asking questions that were unrelated to the daily operations of S-21. The reasons Duch got married in late 1976 and how often he saw his wife were not central to that day’s agenda. For these reasons, in addition to body language and a lack of understanding Cambodian psyche, I was greatly disappointed in the prosecuting lawyers. The Trials have been averaging about $30 million a year and is now in its third year. I believe in justice, but I also see a stark contrast to the lives of everyday Cambodians.
I was impressed with Duch’s demeanor throughout the day and as I hear more about Duch from Charles. After Duch’s wife was killed during burglary in 1995, Duch converted to Christianity. After speaking with a journalist in 1999, Duch turned himself in to the authorities; he has taken responsibility for his actions during the Khmer Rouge. Likewise, he has been cooperative in the trial process. This may not seem like much from a Western point of view, but from an Eastern or Asian point of view it’s monumental. Saving face is the ultimate goal in all social interactions, even if there are differing views; for Duch to admit he played a part in the atrocities proves he has started the reconciliation process.
The following day, Tuesday afternoon, we had our monthly Prey Veng Bible study. Charles led a lesson on feeling overwhelmed and God and helping through the struggles. He focused on the story of Peter who trusted Jesus, stepped out of the boat, and walked on water. When Peter started to feel overwhelmed by the situation, lost trust, and started to sink, Jesus was there to reach out his hand and guide Peter to safety.
Duch has to feel overwhelmed, yet he shows a grace in the courtroom only Jesus could offer. By turning himself him, Duch stepped out of the boat of anonymity, lost face, and has been a vessel of transforming power.
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