PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Thousands rallied in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh Wednesday to mark the 25th anniversary of the fall of dictator Pol Pot.
The rally commemorated Jan. 7, 1979, when Vietnam invaded to put an end to Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime, under which an estimated 1.7 million Cambodians were executed, the BBC reported.
After years of impunity, the government says justice is now imminent.
In a speech to mark the anniversary, ruling party President Chea Sim said those who suffered must receive justice and that will be accomplished through a tribunal set up to prosecute those responsible for their crimes against the people.
Six former leaders of the Khmer Rouge are due to face the tribunal, sponsored by the United Nations. The tribunal is expected to begin work within months.
But a political deadlock in the country following elections in July has led to delays, despite agreement between the government and the United Nations nearly a year ago.
Pol Pot will not face trial. He died five years ago.
