Pandoraspace

I heard on the news today that the trial of Kaing Guek Eav, otherwise known as Duch, began yesterday. Duch was the prison chief of Toul Sleng or S-21 and he is being charged with crimes against humanity.  As I was trying to learn more about the trial, I came across this, this and  this.  I am now interested in reading Nic Dunlop’s book about Duch called the Lost Executioner.  It seems like an interesting read.

I did not notice any picture of Duch displayed in Toul Sleng. I suppose it is inappropriate and disrespectfully to the victims to display the picture of the suspected torturer in Toul Sleng.  I have likewise never seen Duch  until I saw his picture on this website.  Just by looking at him, you would never imagine that Duch is capable of leading people, children in particular, in torturing and killing the prisoners of Toul Sleng. But, then again, people capable of atrocities would not look any different from us.

Assuming (I say assuming because all are innocent until proven guilty) Duch is guilty of the crimes he is accused of committing, I wonder how it is possible for him to sleep at night knowing people suffered and died under his hands.  I am greatly disturbed that people, myself included, are capable of unspeakable acts of cruelty.  How does one become so cruel is a question I have constantly asked myself since visiting Toul Sleng.  I am hoping the answer will teach me be compassionate and to never let myself be the source of other people’s suffering.