Rise of Khmer Rouge Regime

The takeover of Phnom Penh by the Khmer Rouge marked the beginning of a dark chapter in Cambodian history. Led by Pol Pot, the communist regime aimed to create an agrarian utopia by reshaping society through forced labor, executions, and mass relocations. This event resulted in the displacement of millions of people from urban areas to rural regions, where they were subjected to harsh living conditions and ideological reeducation. The Khmer Rouge's brutal policies led to the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people due to starvation, overwork, and execution. Families were torn apart, cultural institutions were destroyed, and Cambodia was isolated from the international community. The impact of the Khmer Rouge regime continues to be felt in Cambodia to this day, with survivors still grappling with the trauma of the atrocities committed during that time. #KhmerRouge #PhnomPenh #CambodianGenocide #PolPot #HumanRightsAbuses