Absolutely mind boggling that one man in the space of 3 years was able to virtually destroy a country. Pol Pot became leader of Cambodia in mid-1975. During his time in power, Pol Pot imposed a version of agrarian socialism, forcing urban dwellers to relocate to the countryside to work in collective farms and forced labor projects, toward a goal of "restarting civilization" in a "Year Zero". The combined effects of forced labor, malnutrition, poor medical care and executions resulted in the deaths of approximately 21% of the Cambodian population.
Amazingly the new government for the sake of reconciliation decided to only prosecute the leaders of the Khmer Rouge. Many followers were forced to kill (even their own parents) or be killed. I can't even begin to imagine the guilt and baggage that these people carry and live with every day.
Amazingly the new government for the sake of reconciliation decided to only prosecute the leaders of the Khmer Rouge. Many followers were forced to kill (even their own parents) or be killed. I can't even begin to imagine the guilt and baggage that these people carry and live with every day.
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