Knowra Kang Kek Iew Kang Kek Iew Kang Kek Iew, known as Duch, was a Khmer Rouge official who directed the S-21 prison and interrogation center in Phnom Penh during Democratic Kampuchea.
S-21 : A Khmer Rouge security prison in Phnom Penh where thousands of people were detained, tortured, and killed. Duch commanded this prison, the center of the crimes for which he was prosecuted.
Khmer Rouge security apparatus : The network of party-controlled agencies that monitored, arrested, interrogated, and punished perceived enemies in Democratic Kampuchea. S-21 was one part of the wider system in which Duch held authority.
Democratic Kampuchea : The name of Cambodia under Khmer Rouge rule from 1975 to 1979. Duch directed S-21 during this regime’s rule.
Crimes against humanity : International crimes involving specified acts committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians. Duch was convicted of crimes against humanity committed through the S-21 system.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum : A museum in Phnom Penh established at the former S-21 prison site. Its preserved buildings and exhibits document the institution Duch directed.
Interrogation : The structured questioning of a person, often by authorities seeking information or a confession. Interrogations at S-21 were conducted under procedures administered by Duch.
Khmer Rouge : The Communist Party of Kampuchea and its movement, which ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Duch served this movement and enforced its internal security policies.
Genocide : Acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. Duch’s convictions included crimes against humanity, while the tribunal treated genocide as a distinct crime.
Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia : A Cambodian court, supported by the United Nations, that tried senior Khmer Rouge leaders for international crimes. This tribunal prosecuted Duch for crimes committed under his command at S-21.
Forced confession : A statement obtained through coercion, threats, or torture rather than freely given testimony. S-21 interrogators extracted confessions that Duch reviewed and used within the security system.
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