Khmer Rouge Defendant Expresses ‘Sorrow’ For Crime

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — The Khmer Rouge defendant Duch has told the U.N.-backed tribunal that he takes responsibility for the crimes committed at the regime’s main torture facility.

Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, took the stand Tuesday and said he wanted to express “regretfulness and heartfelt sorrow for all crimes” committed during the regime’s 1975-1979 rule.

Duch was the commander of the group’s main S-21 prison, also known as Tuol Sleng.

As many as 16,000 men women and children are believed to have been tortured there before execution.

Duch said he took responsibility “for crimes committed at S-21.”

He is charged with committing crimes against humanity and war crimes and could face a maximum penalty of life in prison.