Former Khmer Rouge leader Khieu Samphan said through his attorneys Monday the tribunal investigators had done nothing but recount his functions within Democratic Kampuchea.

The jailed leader said he was only a figurehead and did not make policy or decisions, and that the tribunal courts had not presented criminal evidence sufficient to detain him.

Youk Chhang, director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia, said Monday the courts likely had enough evidence to hold him, as investigators prepare for trial.

Khieu Samphan was charged with atrocity crimes and jailed in Phnom Penh last week, following similar arrests of two other leaders, Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith. Along with chief ideologue Nuon Chea and prison chief Duch, five total are detained and awaiting trial.

Seng Theary, executive director of the Center for Social Development, said it was "not surprising" that Khieu Samphan was denying his role in the Khmer Rogue, but that he should not be believed.