Cambodia

Death TollUnder the Khmer Rouge Rule (Pol Pot Period), about 1/4 of the population died, approximately 1.7 million people out of a population of 7.9 millionCause of DeathExecution, untreated illness, starvation, and excessive labor (up to 20 hours a day) while starving (often fed a few grains of rice a day)Pol Pot Period (19751979)

Khmer Rouge IdeologyThe goal was to create an agriculture state on the model of Angkor Wat, the famous kingdom that ruled Cambodia in the distant pastMassive canal and dam building were undertaken to achieve this goalPol Pot Period (19751979) (cont)

Agricultural Labor during Democratic Kampuchea (197579), undated

Those Targeted for Systematic KillingSoldiers, politicians, police, or other officials of the prior regimeAny person with education sufficient to read and write Khmer, particularly teachers or others with a high level of educationIn many cases, the spouse and children of the above two categories of persons

Those Targeted for Systematic Killing (cont)Chinese, Vietnamese, or anyone with Minority StatusAnyone perceived to be lazy in their work habitsAnyone stealing food (meaning even picking a wild fruit)

Depiction of the Khmer Rouge Killing by Bludgeoning the Back of the Head: Elementary School Book

Mass Grave, Democratic Kampuchea, site unknown

Mass Grave, Democratic Kampuchea (possibly Choeung Ek)