A/HRC/21/63 prison (S-21). The Chamber increased Duch’s sentence from 35 years to life imprisonment. The Trial Chamber began substantive hearings in Case 002, against Nuon Chea, Ieng Sary and Khieu Samphan. A fourth co-accused, Ieng Thirith, was deemed unfit to stand trial. 36. The progress in Case 002 and the completion of the trial in Case 001 notwithstanding, the proceedings of the Extraordinary Chambers have been overshadowed by allegations of failure to properly conduct investigations into cases 003 and 004. Since October 2011, two international co-investigating judges have resigned, citing perceived political interference and obstruction of efforts to investigate, respectively, for doing so. In the case of the latter, the allegations of obstruction were preceded by a refusal on the part of the Cambodian Supreme Council of Magistracy to recognize the judge’s appointment, even though the United Nations continued to reiterate that the Supreme Council was obliged to do so. The Special Rapporteur is concerned by these developments, which undermine the capacity of the Extraordinary Chambers to set a positive example for the domestic court system and to be seen to independently and impartially account for the crimes committed under the Khmer Rouge. He urges the Government and the United Nations to take urgent measures to resolve any disputes regarding the issues surrounding these cases, and to ensure the prompt and proper conduct of investigations and respect for both the suspects’ right to a fair trial and the victims’ right to a remedy. D. Human rights defenders 37. Many human rights defenders, civil society representatives and journalists in Cambodia have continued to encounter harassment, intimidation and the threat of a defamation or incitement lawsuit. The threats faced by these individuals have taken a serious turn for the worse, with an increase in the use of live ammunition against people defending their rights and protesting against Government policies and practices. Since the beginning of 2012, there have been at least four incidents in which individuals have been shot. On 18 January 2012, three villagers were seriously injured when guards opened fired during a land dispute on a concession held by the TTY Corporation in Kratie Province. On 20 February 2012, a shooting at a labour protest in the town of Bavet resulted in three women being seriously injured. On 26 April 2012, human rights defender and environmental activist Chut Wutty was shot dead in Koh Kong Province. Most recently, on 16 May 2012, a 14-year-old girl was shot dead in the village of Broma during a violent eviction. Live ammunition has been used in other cases, albeit without resulting in injuries. 38. These incidents have hampered the activities of human rights defenders in Cambodia, with many now fearing for their lives. The Special Rapporteur is shocked by these crimes, for which no one has been convicted. He hopes that these incidents are thoroughly and properly investigated and the culprits brought to justice. V. Role of State institutions in the context of elections 39. Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy that operates under a multiparty political system. The right to vote is guaranteed under article 34 of the Constitution. The country has a bicameral parliament consisting of the Senate (61 seats) and the National Assembly (123 seats). In the Senate, 57 members are elected by indirect vote (via commune councillors) to serve five-year terms. An additional two members are elected by the National Assembly, and the final two members appointed by the King. This makes the commune council elections (held in the year preceding the National Assembly elections) an important precursor to National Assembly elections, because those elected will also be voting to determine the members of the Senate. 10