Van Rith
VAN Rith (1938-2008) was member of the Democratic Kampuchea (“DK”) Commerce Committee and later Minister of Commerce. He died in 2008 of natural causes.
Explore the Khmer Rouge hierarchy to understand his role in the secretive system.
Key Findings
The Trial Chamber in Case 002/02 found that Van Rith:
- Reported to Vorn Vet and Khieu Samphan as Commerce Committee Chief. 7
- Visited state warehouses with Khieu Samphan, where Khieu Samphan inspected products destined for export, conducted meetings with workers and commerce cadres, instructed them on leadership, discipline and morality, and denounced enemies of the Party. 8
Disclaimer
Van Rith was not a suspect, charged person, or accused in any proceedings before the ECCC. Therefore, the findings of the Extraordinary Chambers cannot be equated to findings of guilt against him.
Some information may be sourced from confessions which were obtained under torture. The reliability of such information should be treated with caution. See Decision on Evidence Obtained Through Torture.
Related Documents
Judgments
- Case 002/01 Judgment, E313; 5. Administrative Structures.
- Case 002/02 Judgment, E465: 8. Roles and Responsibilities – Khieu Samphan.
Evidence
- Commerce Committee Report, 30 September 1976, E3/2038.
- Commerce Committee Report, 29 October 1976, E3/2040.
- Commerce Committee Report, 1 November 1976, E3/2041.
- Committee Report, 4 November 1976, E3/2042.
- Report, 1 November 1977, E3/3564.
- Commerce Committee Report, 14 February 1978, E3/3457.
- Commerce Committee Report, 28 April 1978, E3/3461,
- VAN Rith Interview by Stephen HEDER, 21 March 2004, E3/5699.