PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Khieu Samphan, who served as head of state in Cambodia under Khmer Rouge rule from 1975 to 1979, was charged Friday with genocide.
The war crimes tribunal in Cambodia, which is supported by the United Nations, brought the same charge against two other Khmer Rouge leaders Wednesday, Voice of America reported. They were Nuon Chea, a Khmer Rouge theoretician, and former Foreign Minister Ieng Sary.
The genocide charges involve the killing of ethnic Cham, a largely Muslim group that resisted Khmer Rouge rule, and Vietnamese Cambodians. The three leaders are also charged with war crimes, crimes against humanity, homicide and torture.
About 1.7 million people died between 1975 and 1979 when the Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia. The Vietnamese government overthrew the regime.
The Khmer Rouge forced most of the population out of cities into labor camps in the countryside.
Kaing Guek Eav, who also went by the name Duch, is on trial and a verdict is expected next year. He commanded the S-21 Prison in Phnom Penh.
