PHNOM PENH: The prison chief of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge admitted responsibility yesterday for overseeing the torture and execution of thousands of people and asked the victims' families for forgiveness.

Duch, who is also known as Kaing Guek Eav, spoke out after prosecutors at a UN-backed court accused him of an integral role during the Khmer Rouge rule.

"May I be permitted to apologize to the survivors of the regime and also the loved ones of those who died brutally during the regime. I ask not that you forgive me now, but hope you will later," Duch, who is also known as Kaing Guek Eav, told the court.