In the Know on Policy; In the Dark on War

by Laura MacDonald, Member of the New York Bar and Consultant to the Center for International Human Rights, Northwestern University School of Law
— 9 Jun, 2009

Duch’s Implementation of CPK Policy: “I did what I was told – no more or no less.”

Kaing Guek Eav (alias Duch) took the stand again today to testify regarding the implementation of Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK) policy at Tuol Sleng prison (S-21) where he served as chairman for most of the Khmer Rouge period, which began April 17, 1975 and ended January 6, 1979.

In response to questions from civil party lawyers, Duch described his “fast attack, fast success” method for training CPK cadre at S-21 designed to maximize teaching in a short period of time. While Duch conceded his training method was unique, he claims his subject matter was not as he added nothing to the party line. Duch said he devoted a third of his time to training cadre, dividing the rest of his time between preparing confessions for his superiors and managing the operations of S-21. With apparent pride, Duch explained how no one at S-21 understood the policies and party line of the CPK better than him, not even Comrade Nat who was his superior there for a time. He explained how he studied “to protect [his] life” – mastering the core documents, such as the CPK Statute and Revolutionary Flag and Revolutionary Youth magazines. He spoke confidently about the “Pol-Potist” theory of revolution, describing how Pol Pot eliminated the petty bourgeoisie and capitalist classes to allow the peasant and worker classes a “great victory.” After pumping up his knowledge of the regime, Duch then retreated a bit, explaining he had no access to study sessions at the Party Center given he was a mid- level cadre…

Read more: ctm_blog_6-9-2009

Cambodia Tribunal Monitor’s Trial Observer posts are written according to the personal observations and opinions of the writer and do not constitute a transcript of ECCC proceedings or the views of Cambodia Tribunal Monitor and/or its partners. Official court transcripts for the ECCC’s hearings may be accessed at the ECCC website.