Khmer Rouge torturer accepts blame for 14,000 deaths

[Nagishkaw 510]

PHNOM PENH (Reuters) – The chief Khmer Rouge torturer formally apologized Tuesday for the deaths of more than 14,000 people at S-21 prison, the first Pol Pot cadre to accept blame for crimes committed by the regime 30 years ago.

"I am responsible for the crimes committed at S-21, especially the torture and execution of the people there," Duch told a U.N.-Cambodian court where he is charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes.

"May I be permitted to apologies to the survivors of the regime and families of the victims who had loved ones who died brutally at S-21. I would like you to forgive me," Duch told the panel of five judges as survivors of the Khmer Rouge watched from a public gallery.

Duch, a born-again Christian whose real name is Kaing Guek Eav, said he would "like to express regret and my heartfelt sorrow for all the crimes committed" during the 1975-79 reign of terror in which 1.7 million people died in Cambodia.

But the 66-year-old former maths teacher said he was only following orders issued by the top Khmer Rouge leadership, and had feared for the lives of his family if he had disobeyed.

"I am solely responsible for this crime, but I am just a scapegoat. A person who played a role in the killings," he told the court on the second day of his formal trial.

Duch is expected to be a key witness in the future trials of those also deemed "most responsible" by the tribunal for one of the darkest chapters in the 20th century.

The other four -- "Brother Number Two" Nuon Chea, the regime's ex-president, Khieu Samphan, and Ieng Sary, its foreign minister, and his wife -- have denied knowledge of any atrocities.

If convicted, the five face a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090331/wl_nm/...a_rouge_apology

[almaty 19]

chopf##k excuse..i was only following orders.

[Nagishkaw 510]

That's what they all say.

[fozzie 41]

That's what they all say.

Ever heard of the Milgram Experiments?

[almaty 19]

That's what they all say.

Ever heard of the Milgram Experiments?

yes...also, have seen studies where students are assigned roles for several days as prisoners and guards....the guards in msot studies, end up abusing the prisoners ..

[fozzie 41]

You should read "The Gate" by Bizot. It tells the story of a french journalist that gets caught up in the khmer rouge atrocities. He gets captured while out in the country side and put in a work camp where Comrade Duch is the head honcho. The weird thing is as I read this book in country, I felt that Duch was portrayed by Bizot as someone who was reluctant and there was a real sense of humanity from the man.

I hope he gets to spend the rest of his days in prison because, no matter who we are inside it is our actions that define us. He did some horrendous things and anyone that has visted s21 or the killing feilds will know the horror.

I am glad he admits to his culpability and hope his testimony can lead to the downfall of those at greatest fault.

[almaty 19]

thanks sister fozzie..i will check that book out

[fozzie 41]

That's what they all say.

Ever heard of the Milgram Experiments?

yes...also, have seen studies where students are assigned roles for several days as prisoners and guards....the guards in msot studies, end up abusing the prisoners ..

Fascinating stuff, but where do you draw the line as an individual. Its one thing to say you were following orders but to actually live with the consequences of your actions is something else entriely. However there was a real fear, both in Khmer Rouge Cambodia and Nazi Germany, that you and your family would be killed if you did not comply. None of us know what that stuation is like (I hope). Many could use that excuse and from a legal standpoint it is valid, they would however have to live with the knowledge of what they ahd done. Punishment enough. Unfortunately it becomes a catch all defense and everyone uses it regardless of their complicity.

thanks brother fozzie..i will check that book out

[almaty 19]

i am such a chopf##k, brother fozzie

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

14,000? That's it? That's the so-called "pogroms" the bleeding heart libruls made such a fuss over?

Geez!

[fozzie 41]

14,000? That's it? That's the so-called "pogroms" the bleeding heart libruls made such a fuss over?

Geez!

How many have you killed?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

14,000? That's it? That's the so-called "pogroms" the bleeding heart libruls made such a fuss over?

Geez!

How many have you killed?

[fozzie 41]

1) 14,000 is over 4 times as many as killed in 9/11 (different when its your own)

2) they were not all killed at tuol sleng prison and the killing fields

3) They did not shoot them because the wanted to save bullets (poor communist/maoist regimes). Instead they used blunt instruments, they swung babies against tress to kill them, threy people down from high rocky preipices etc. Many other creative methods.

5) Many more (into the millions) died through being starved and overworked in the name of brother no. 1.

14,000? That's it? That's the so-called "pogroms" the bleeding heart libruls made such a fuss over?

Geez!

How many have you killed?

Edited March 31, 2009 by fozzie

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

1) 14,000 is over 4 times as many as killed in 9/11 (different when its your own)

You're just obfuscating for the fact, clearly evident in this story, that the Khmer Rouge have been unfairly vilified by libruls like you.

[fozzie 41]

1) 14,000 is over 4 times as many as killed in 9/11 (different when its your own)

You're just obfuscating for the fact, clearly evident in this story, that the Khmer Rouge have been unfairly vilified by libruls like you.

"14,000? That's it? That's the so-called "pogroms" the bleeding heart libruls made such a fuss over?"

Its genocide. Do you deny the holocaust too?