The trial of former Khmer Rouge leaders continues in Cambodia today, as the so-called Brother No. 2 is appealing to be released before his trial. Here's more:
STORY: Brother No. 2 is the most senior Khmer Rouge official still alive. He was Pol Pot's second-in-command, and is said to be the architect of the Khmer Rouge's sweeping execution policies.
He was taken into custody on Sept. 8 last year, and charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Public interest in the trial is mixed. For many young Cambodians, the Khmer Rouge years are a part of the past. But publicity of the tribunal has made them eager to know more about their country's history.
[Sour Khuoch, Farmer]: quote req.
"I want to know why they created this regime and I want to know why they killed their own people.
In four years, almost around a quarter of Cambodia's population died of starvation, disease, overwork, torture, and execution during the Khmer Rouge regime.
At that time, the cities were emptied, education was outlawed, and currency was abandoned as the Khmer Rouge attempted to re-create history with communist ideology.
Chea is one of five senior Khmer Rouge officials who have been arrested so far. The actual tribunal will start after all the appeals are heard later this year.
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