Khmer Rouge Regime

 Khmer Rouge Regime

April 1975 - January 1979

The Khmer Rouge's policies were based on the idea that outside influences had corrupted the Cambodians. Therefore, they abolished religious practices, minority languages, private property, and foreign items. The citizens were stripped of their political and civil rights, and Cambodia was under totalitarian rule. 

For even the smallest offenses, citizens were being detained. While in these prisons, most citizens were tortured and killed. Those who were accused of committing treason were placed in the capital prison in Phnom Penh, where their family and loved ones were taken, photographed, and tortured. 

During the 45-month rule, an estimated 1.5-3 million Cambodian citizens were killed.  The reason for the deaths can be traced back to torture, execution, starvation, medical experiments, forced labor and marches, untreated diseases, and many other forms of violence. 

The impact on Cambodian music and culture was devastating. Thankfully, the survivors of the Khmer Rogue Regime have helped to keep their traditions alive.