Khmer Rouge tribunal to hear closing arguments

ANLONG VENG, Cambodia—Three years after indicting four senior Khmer Rouge leaders for allegedly directing one of the worst genocides of the 20th century, a United Nations-backed tribunal will start hearing closing arguments Wednesday in a closely watched trial.

But only two defendants remain. A third accused died this year, while another was released last year on medical grounds. After prosecutors and defense lawyers sum up their cases this month, judges could issue a verdict late next year and appeals would likely stretch into 2015.

The current trial is just one of several planned, meaning the two defendants—already in their 80s—could die before the process is completed....