The detained former Khmer Rouge head of state is in stable health despite his recent hospitalization for a stroke and can remain in the custody of Cambodia’s genocide tribunal, the panel said Thursday.

Khieu Samphan, 77, is one of five former Khmer Rouge senior leaders in detention awaiting trial for their alleged involvement in the atrocities that occurred when their ultra-communist movement ruled Cambodia in 1975-79.

“Everyday they (doctors) continue to advise us that he’s fine, stable and able to continue staying in detention,” said Peter Foster, spokesman for the U.N.-assisted tribunal.

Some 1.7 million people died from starvation, disease, overwork and execution as a result of the Khmer Rouge radical policy that turned Cambodian into a vast slave labor camp.

The tribunal has charged Khieu Samphan with crimes against humanity and war crimes, detaining him since last November.

Many fear that he and other defendants, some in poor health, may not live long enough to stand trial.

Khieu Samphan was hospitalized for two weeks _ from May 21 to June 5 _ following a stroke.

His defense team has requested that he be temporarily released to receive care by his family at home, the investigating judges said in a report seen on the tribunal’s Web site Thursday.

The report quoted the defense as warning that “his conditions may progressively decline until the point of no return.”

It also gave details of recent assessment by doctors, who said Khieu Samphan had a brain stroke but “no cardiac or vascular involvement.”

“The good news is that his health is satisfactory overall. No risk factors are present,” it said. “Moreover, there is no heart or vascular condition that could trigger other cerebral vascular events in other areas.”

It said doctors have recommended that Khieu Samphan undergo medical checkups every two months, especially for his thyroid condition.

He has also been advised to have a low-fat and low-salt diet, moderate physical activity and adequate rest, the report said.

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On the Net:

Cambodia’s U.N.-assisted tribunal

http://www.eccc.gov.kh/english