FED:New claims aired in Cambodia murder case

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2011
FED:New claims aired in Cambodia murder case

New criticisms of the Australian government's handling of ransom negotiations concerning
Melbourne backpacker DAVID WILSON who was murdered by Khmer Rouge guerrillas in Cambodia
in 1994 have been aired at a coronial hearing.

Western Australian man DARRYL HOCKEY has given a statement to the Melbourne Coroners'
Court today containing criticisms of the Australian government's efforts.

Mr HOCKEY says he gathered the information from people in Cambodia claiming to have
first-hand knowledge of Mr WILSON's fate.

Mr WILSON was 29 when he was kidnapped along with two companions by the Khmer Rouge
during an attack on a train in which they were travelling in Cambodia in July, 1994.

All three were murdered in early September the same year after negotiations between
the Cambodian and Australian governments and their captors broke down.

When the inquest re-opened today after a 13-year adjournment, counsel assisting the
coroner said Mr HOCKEY had offered his unsolicited statement following his own investigations
in Cambodia.

The inquest has been adjourned to a date to be fixed.

AAP RTV mh/gfr/crh

KEYWORD: WILSON (MELBOURNE)

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.