When the UN-backed court announced on Tuesday that Kaing Guek Eav, better known as "Comrade Duch", 75, had been sentenced to 35 years' imprisonment, it was a historic day for Cambodia. It was a day when justice was served, even though it was 35 years since Duch had carried out the systematic killing and torture of at least 16,000 of his fellow countrymen at S-21, or Toul Sleng Prison, where he was the chief guard. He is the first former Khmer Rouge commander, one of only five surviving, to be punished. Nearly two million Cambodians died during the Khmer Rouge's genocidal reign from 1975 to 1979.
The hybrid court of Cambodian and international judges delivered their verdict before the expectant eyes of the relations of victims of S-21. Also in the courtroom were international observers who have watched the proceedings from the very beginning. The news was broadcast over all networks for millions of Cambodians who were watching in their homes or workplaces.
However, the court announced that Duch would serve only 19 years of the sentence because he has already spent 11 years in prison awaiting the trial, plus a further five detained illegally.
During the verdict, the court pointed out that many of the charges that Duch faced included crimes against humanity, grave breaches of the Geneva Convention, and violations of the 1956 Cambodian Penal Code, which were out of its jurisdiction.
During the trial Duch gave insights into how the Khmer Rouge controlled Cambodia. His testimony revealed how decisions were made during the darkest era of the country's history. In summary, he was convicted of war crimes, of wilful killing and torture, wilfully causing great suffering and injury, depriving civilians and prisoners of war of the right to a fair trial, and the unlawful confinement of civilians.
The court also reiterated that Khmer Rouge cadre Nuon Chea was Duch's direct superior in the hierarchy of the Khmer Rouge at the time. Obviously, this will have ramifications when the tribunal court returns next year. Along with Nuon Chea, other former Khmer Rouge leaders Ieng Sary, Ieng Thirith and Khieu Samphan are all in custody. They hold more of the horrendous secrets of the genocidal regime.
For the Cambodian people, the verdict has given rise to mixed feelings. Those who have suffered most from the atrocities want to see Duch stay behind bars forever, serving a full life sentence. However, others see the verdict, whatever the sentence, simply as necessary closure on this tragic chapter in the country's history.
Those who survived the most terrible ordeals continue to wait for the resumption of the trial, for the remaining culprits to see their day in court and justice served.
The younger generation has watched the trial with bewilderment, not least at the staggering amount it has cost to organise this unique tribunal. Many who were born after the Khmer Rouge's reign want to see international aid spent on improving the livelihoods and education of ordinary Cambodians.
With this first verdict, the next trials will have to ensure that the remaining senior Khmer Rouge officials are judged accordingly. Of course, nobody is quite certain if that will be the case. Given their advanced ages, some may not make it to the next sessions.
But for the sake of the younger generation, so that they may learn from past mistakes, the defendants must speak the truth and cooperate. That will make the whole process worthwhile. That will allow Cambodians of all ages to have proper closure.
