Former Khmer Rouge chief Ta Mok dies at 80

The once-feared Ta Mok, one of only two former top Khmer Rouge leaders awaiting prosecution over one of 20th century's most appalling episodes, was admitted to hospital last month with breathing problems.

"Ta Mok passed away at 04:45 am (2145 GMT Thursday). We feel very sad for his death but what can we do," his lawyer Benson Samay said, adding that he had slipped into unconsciousness before he died.

After years of infighting and bloody purges, military commander Ta Mok briefly became the communist Khmer Rouge's last leader before the movement disintegrated in 1998.