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.

Reality Check No. 4: The Toul Sleng Genocide Museum

From the time Toe and D found out that we wanted to go to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, they kept asking us if we were certain we wanted to go. Padma knew that it would be an upsetting experience but she was determined to learn more about the Cambodian people. While I doubted whether I could stomach the experience, my curiosity got the better of me and I decided to go Toul Sleng with Padma. My only condition was that no guide should accompany us. I did not want to hear anecdotes of the Khmer Rouge atrocities from the guide.

Despite all mental and emotional preparation for the visit to the museum, what I saw and experienced in Toul Sleng greatly disturbs me until today. I ask myself whether human beings are capable of such evil. (more…)