Khmer Rouge Regime

The Khmer Rouge regime ruled Cambodia from 1975-1979.  During its reign, about 1.7 million Cambodians died from starvation, overwork, executions, and disease.  Under its government, the regime imposed an agrarian communism, forcing people to work in collective farms or labor projects. The regime isolated the country from foreign influence, closed schools, hospitals, and factories.  The regime also abolished banking, finance, and currency.  The government outlawed all religions and confiscated all private property.  In 1979, the Khmer Rouge regime fell from power after an invasion by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.  Many of its leaders fled to western portions of Cambodia as part of a resistance movement.

AFP - Tribunal Judges Travel for Former Khmer Rouge Stronghold - 13 January 2008

FOCUS Information Agency - Pol Pot Overthrown on This Day in 1979 - 7 January 2008