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gained independence
Cambodia gains independence from France after 90 years of French rule. King Sihanouk becomes the ruler of the Kingdom of Cambodia. http://www.pbs.org/pov/enemies/photo_gallery_timeline.php#.U2ks7eZdXZc -
Beginning of Khmer Rouge
The Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK) is formed out of the growing opposition to the rule of King Sihanouk. King Sihanouk nicknames the CPK “Red Khmer” (“Khmer Rouge” in French) as a sign he does not take the group seriously. -
armed rebellion
Leaders of the Khmer Rouge flee their home base of Phnom Penh and begin an armed rebellion. -
Seizing Power
After years of civil war, Khmer Rouge forces seize Phnom Penh and establish their regime. -
S-21
Four months after the Khmer Rouge establish their regime, a local high school in Phnom Penh is converted into what will become the notorious S-21 or Tuol Sleng prison and interrogation center run by the man known as Duch, later deemed “Cambodia’s Heinrich Himmler.” Between 1975 and 1979, roughly 17,000 people, labeled traitors, will be brought to the prison, tortured in order to extract “confessions” and systematically executed outside of the capital. -
President Carter Makes a Declaration
U.S. president Jimmy Carter declares the Khmer Rouge “the worst violator of human rights in the world.” -
Fall of Khmer Rouge
Vietnamese forces take Phnom Penh and the Khmer Rouge regime falls. Pol Pot continues to lead the Khmer Rouge as an insurgent movement until 1997. It is estimated that somewhere from 1.2 to 1.7 million people died because of starvation or execution while the Khmer Rouge was in power. http://www.pbs.org/pov/enemies/photo_gallery_timeline.php#.U2qBx-ZdXZc -
Pol Pot Dies
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UN Tribunal Recommendations
The “Report of the Group of Experts for Cambodia Pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 52/125” is published by a U.N. group charged with determining the feasibility of trying Khmer Rouge leaders. The report recommends the creation of an international tribunal and truth commission to charge and try Khmer Rouge leaders for their crimes. -
Ke Pauk Dies
Former Khmer Rouge commander Ke Pauk dies. -
UN agreement
The United Nations and Cambodia agree to establish the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia to try Khmer Rouge leaders. -
UN approval
The United Nations approves the Tribunal after years ofdebate -
Tu Mok dies
Ta Mok dies without going to trial. -
Duch's First Court Appearance
Duch appears in court for the first time for a hearing about his bail plea.