Friday, June 11, 2010

Cambodia: Security Office 21

(Click on the images to see a larger view.) 
Storage room debris - Silver Gelatin print, edition of 10

Interrogation room - Silver Gelatin print, edition of 10

Victims of the genocide, Khmer Rouge photographer, Nhem En's 'portraits' - Silver Gelatin print, edition of 10

The Khmer Rouge Security Office 21 (S-21) was housed in the former Tuol Sleng Prey High school from April 1975 until the Vietnamese drove the Khmer Rouge out in 1979. Between 17000 and 20000 prisoners were held and interrogated there, although former guards claim up to 30000. After interrogation, those that were still alive were taken to the notorious killing fields for execution.

OF THE TOTAL NUMBER WHO ENTERED THE FACILITY ONLY 12 PRISONERS ARE KNOWN TO HAVE SURVIVED!

Meticulous in their documentation, the Khmer Rouge photographed inmates and some 6000 negatives have survived since 1979. Many of the prisoner photographs were taken by Khmer Rouge photographer Nhem En and can be seen at the S-21 photo archive website