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Witness Describes Forced Marriage, Rape and Killings by Khmer Rouge


Cambodian student from Royal University of Fine Art re-enact torture executed by the Khmer Rouge during their reign of terror in the 1970s to mark the annual "Day of Anger" at Choeung Ek, a former Khmer Rouge "killing field" dotted with mass graves, file photo.
Cambodian student from Royal University of Fine Art re-enact torture executed by the Khmer Rouge during their reign of terror in the 1970s to mark the annual "Day of Anger" at Choeung Ek, a former Khmer Rouge "killing field" dotted with mass graves, file photo.

Hearings for two jailed Khmer Rouge leaders continued on Monday, as a witness described the practice of forced marriage, rape and other crimes under the regime.

Chou Kim Lorn, a Khmer Rouge survivor from Takeo province, said she had witnessed at least 30 couples in marriages arranged by the Khmer Rouge.

Forced marriage is one of a raft of Khmer Rouge crimes in the trial of Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan, both senior leaders of the regime.

Chou Kim Lorn, a civil party complainant in the case, described this practice.

She also described the murder of two Vietnamese families and two families of the Khmer Kampuchea Krom minority by regime cadre. She also told the court two friends had been raped by Khmer Rouge soldiers.

Taken together, her testimony touches on some of the major crimes the second and final phase of the trial of the two men is focusing on.

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