Here's a look at what is now known as the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. During the rule of the Khmer Rouge, it was known as Security Prison 21 or S-21 for short. The building and grounds were originally a high school, but it was turned into one of the most infamous torture and detainment centers in 1975 when Pol Pot and his "Orgnazation" came to rule.
It is estimated around 20,000 people lost their lives here. When the prison was liberated by the Vietnamese in 1979, only three living souls were found on the grounds. Luckily, we have their personal testimonies to bear witness to the atrocities committed here.
When prisoners arrived at S-21, they were interviewed and photographed. Interrogations would continue with varied means of torture until the person confessed to whatever crime they were accused of. The accused's family would also be detained and often tortured as well. In the end, despite having confessed, these detainees and their families were murdered. Detailed records were kept on each inmate, most of which were still intact at the time of liberation - the photos and some of the written statements are on view at the museum. Photos taken in December 2016.
..an example of human weakness.
ReplyDeleteIf there is an 'entity' up there Hal, it must look down and wonder how human beings can treat each other the way they have done.. forever!
ReplyDeleteWhat terrible times that must have been for everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteThe "torture" rooms were left just as they were when the site was liberated (blood stains on the floor and all). Photos inside these rooms were not allowed. In fact, there were even signs telling people now to smile and laugh while visiting. It was a very sombre visit, but worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteI remember hearing about places like this. It's so hard to imagine people who treat other people this way and yet it still goes on to this day.
ReplyDeleteHarrowing and haunting. A proof of how really evil evil can be.
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ReplyDeleteThe yellow checkered floor looks very nice.
ReplyDeleteA very horrible and evil time period in the history of humans. Cruel doesn't even describe it. It's good that people go and visit and learn about this awful period. We always say, it won't happen again but it always does. We can only hope it doesn't.
ReplyDeleteWhat a horror. I'd have a hard time either smiling or laughing while visiting. I can't even imagine that being suggested. Doesn't the "no photos" in the rooms tell a story?
ReplyDeleteIt must give you a creepy feeling to be in a place with such an infamous history.
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