Kaing Guek Eav, also known as Comrade Duch, was one of the leaders in the communist party in Cambodia during the late 1970s. Duch allegedly commanded the Khmer Rouge prison, Phnom Penh S-21. While the communist group held power between 1975 and 1979, approximately 16,000 men, women and children were tortured prior to being put to death.
On February 17, 2009, a UN-assisted Cambodia genocide tribunal began against the 66-year-old for crimes against humanity and war crimes.BBC: First Khmer Rouge trial date set (January 19, 2009)
He admitted more than 100 of his fellow prison personnel were "arrested, tortured and executed for minor offenses". The first of five senior Khmer Rouge leader to face trial, Duch broke down in tears during the trial on June 15, 2009, saying, "Betraying friends, yes, I did. That was beyond cowardly."Washington Post: Alleged Khmer Rouge torturer cries in court (June 15, 2009)
After S-21 Prison
Later in his life, Kaing Guek Eav converted to Christianity. During the trial, he testified that while his was the prison commander, he had follow orders because the regime held his family hostage but he begged forgiveness from "the whole nation."Belfast Telegraph: Tears and prayers as Khmer Rouge 'torturer' is taken back... (February 27, 2008)
Featured Video
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
Allegedly commanded the Tuol Sleng Prison, also known as S-21, in the late 1970sBBC: First Khmer Rouge trial date set (January 19, 2009)
-
Fact:
One of the former leaders of the communist party Khmer Rouge in CambodiaBBC: First Khmer Rouge trial date set (January 19, 2009)
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
Approximately 1.7 million people died during the regime's ruleBBC: First Khmer Rouge trial date set (January 19, 2009)
-
Fact:
Prisoners at the Tuol Sleng were tortured and executedBBC: First Khmer Rouge trial date set (January 19, 2009)
-
February 17, 2009
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
onfessed to the crimes, but claims he was only acting under orders. Duch said he would have been killed had he not follow the orders
