Killing fields
Killing fields
So much has already been documented about the barbaric, evil activities of the Khmer Rouge Regime, I’m merely telling my story of what I witnessed and felt, during visits to S21 and the Killing Fields, and adding some images, thoughts & comments.
However, words to fully explain & convey to others, the horrors that took place throughout Cambodia, during those darkest of days, are difficult to find.
Moreover, as I walked around S21, the stunned silence of visitors, some wiping away tears as they viewed the harrowing exhibits of torture, and the many photographs of prisoners, old, and young, men & women, who suffered and died here, does surely speak volumes about man’s inhumanity to man.
A nation emerges from despair
What is genocide? The definition contained in UN Article II of the Convention describes genocide as a crime committed with the intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, in whole or in part.
Main entrances to the Genocide Museum S21 & Killing Fields
1 July 23 Entry update for S21: Open from 8am to 5pm daily with an entry charge of $5 plus an additional $5 for an audiotape, available in several languages. Entry is free for Cambodian citizens.
Genocide Museum S21 and Killing Fields
My visit to the Genocide Museum S21, entrance at the corner of streets 350 & 113, brought me to a nondescript part of Phnom Penh, with general shops, street traders, traffic & people simply going about their daily lives.
However, in this corner of the city, there is an oasis of peace & tranquility. Well over 40 years ago, a school, then a prison, but now a museum in remembrance of those who suffered & died here, at the hands of the Khmer Rouge Regime, 1975-79….
The conversion of Tuol Svay Pray High School to a prison
Tuol Svay Pray High School where students were educated & enjoyed recreation, was taken over by the Khmer Rouge Regime & converted into a prison, where countless thousands were subsequently abused, tortured & executed.
Large school rooms were subdivided into small cells, where prisoners were held in truly appalling conditions, awaiting “examination”.
Many of those who survived, were transported to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, to face a certain, horrifying death.
A personal insight and observation
I consider, however, that visitors to places such as this, fall into two quite distinct groups. Firstly, tourists & travelers who may simply be curious as to what took place here. They will leave with mixed emotions. Some may wish to refresh their memories of news from long ago. Unforgettable, haunting images, indelibly etched in visitors’ memories.
Secondly, however, we should be aware that some visitors may have traveled considerable distances while others are local, city residents. All, being relatives and friends of those imprisoned here. Sharing a desire to feel close to those who suffered & died in their own country. at the hands of pure evil, The Khmer Rouge Regime.
Some may have struggled for many years to find courage enough, to make their personal pilgrimage of discovery to S21. Some will hope to put in place, a missing piece of family history. All will pray for those who died at the hands of the Khmer Rouge Regime. May all the victims forever rest in peace, and never ever be forgotten.
Phnom Penh Genocide/Killing Fields
A couple of things before my report on visiting the Killing Fields
3 July 21, Phnom Penh Genocide Museum and Killing Fields: Due to ongoing COVID concerns, many places may close at short notice or open times change. Always, therefore, check availability before your journey.
Also, a new Khmer Rouge Regime Documentation Center, opened in October 2020 at 66 Sihanouk Blvd. I shall be looking into this as soon as possible and advise accordingly. In the meantime, however, I strongly recommend viewing this truly excellent video: http://dccam.org/home
Moreover, some may be interested in the following short video about Pol Pot
Gap
Phnom Penh Genocide/Killing Fields
How many made their last journey in life, along this passageway, on their way to the Killing Fields and certain death?
“Awaiting torture and death”
How many died here at the hands of the Khmer Rouge Regime?
Phnom Penh Genocide/Killing Fields
UNESCO’s recognition
Visiting S21 provides us with an invaluable insight into those darkest of days in the 1970s. However, we should not overlook an important continuation of the story, best illustrated by visiting the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek……..
Phnom Penh Genocide/Killing Fields
Visiting the Killing Fields, a chilling experience
Overcast skies greet me today, but this seems in keeping with the place I’m about to visit. My trusty driver is ready & we set off at 10am for the 45-minute, 15km drive to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. The distinctive stupa comes into view as we arrive.
Furthermore, my first visit here was in November 2003. However, although many years have passed, I simply cannot escape the chill, from some 15 years ago that inhabits me, as I retrace those long ago steps.
The Audio kit is important
At the main gate, I pay the entrance fee including an optional audio kit. I make my way to the small museum, photograph the sign at the entrance, & go in.
I read with much horror, the signs telling the story of Kaing Guek Eav, better known as Duch, & how babies were murdered by smashing them against a tree. Outside, I photograph the signs detailing the Truck Stop, Detention Room, executioner’s Office & Chemical Storage facility.
A memorial to those who suffered & died
Onward now to the stupa, constructed in 1988, where so many skulls & bones are housed & carefully preserved. I take more photos & note the mood amongst visitors is predictably, and understandably, somber.
Time for reflection
I decide to sit down & ponder over what I’ve seen & read, & try to relate it to S21, imagining what it might have looked like here. Trucks arriving from Tuol Sleng, full of terrified prisoners of all ages, about to be killed by equally terrified conscripts wielding axes, wooden staves & all manner of rudimentary farming implements. The mercilessly bludgeoned & battered bodies, lying on the bloodstained earth, telling their own grim story…
Phnom Penh Genocide/Killing Fields
I recommend visiting S21 Toul Sleng Genocide Museum & then going to the Killing Fields, maybe the following day. There is, however, an entry charge for each place plus optional audio headphones, available in many languages, which will guide you through the different sections, describing exhibits & of course, you can go at your own pace.
Moreover, before you leave, you may wish to sit in the gardens in quiet reflection. Others may decide to retrace their steps, to review what they have seen, and to consider the effect it has had on them.
Nonetheless, always please respect all those here, by dressing & acting in a dignified manner
The Killing Fields Museum at Choeung Ek
Images of the truck stops on arrival at the killing fields
More truck stops
I have no words, only profound sadness, and tears
Phnom Penh Genocide/Killing Fields: Man’s inhumanity to man!
From my personal experiences
