This article appeared in our quarterly magazine, Xpress, in June 2006

 By Mary K - Pioneers Worker in Cambodia

After five years of brutal civil war, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge took over Cambodia in April 1975.  They envisaged a perfect society where all were equal and all were rice-farmers. All cities and towns were evacuated, and the elimination or “purification” of all urban dwellers was begun.  Many died after being forced out into the hot waterless fields and many were executed.  High on the list of targets were those with clean fingernails, spectacles, any foreign language and any education. Religion was also perceived to be unhelpful and Buddhist leaders were killed along with many Christians.

Cambodia is no longer under the rule of the Khmer Rouge.  However, effects of the devastation are still felt today.