A Cry for Justice: Seeking Truth for Lim Kimya and Cambodia’s Brave Heroes

 

                       Honoring Lim Kimya at Wat Buddhamangala on 1/9/2025

A Cry for Justice: Seeking Truth for Lim Kimya and Cambodia’s Brave Heroes  

Political violence is alive, well, unabated not only in Cambodia but also abroad. Once again, my homeland is bruised and broken by yet another brutal assassination carried out in broad daylight—further exposing the persistent culture of impunity and disregard for justice.

As an ordinary Cambodian citizen, I cannot fully express the depth of my sorrow over the tragic murder of Lim Kimya, a Cambodian-French political activist and former member of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), on January 7, 2025, in Bangkok. His assassination was both unexpected and deeply shocking, sending ripples of grief throughout the Cambodian community—especially among those who cherish justice and freedom of speech.

This devastating act is not only heartbreaking but also a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to speak the truth against the present leadership. My heart goes out to his wife, family, and all who knew and respected him for his unwavering courage in standing up for what is right for ALL. For Lim Kimya, silence in the face of injustice, wrongdoings, and the relentless abuse of power by the ruling party was never an option. His assassination leaves an indelible mark, and I sincerely hope for real justice for all who mourn this immense loss.

The assassination of Lim Kimya was a despicable transnational crime, as defined by the United Nations, which characterizes such offenses as those “whose inception, perpetration, and/or direct or indirect effect involve more than one country” (UNDOC). Shortly after the killing, Thai authorities released security camera footage showing the suspected gunman, former Thai marine Ekkalak Paenoi, arriving at the scene on a motorbike before openly shooting Lim Kimya three times on January 7, 2025, in a busy tourist area of Bangkok around 5:45 PM. The suspect fled to Cambodia’s Battambang province and was detained by the Cambodian National Police the following day. He was extradited to Thailand on January 11, 2025, and, after being charged with premeditated murder, illegally carrying a weapon and unlawful discharge of a firearm, he confessed to the crime. He claimed he carried out the assassination to repay a debt of gratitude to someone who had helped him after he was dismissed from the military.

Additionally, Thai authorities identified Pich Kimsrun, a Cambodian official and deputy head of the administration running Phsar Kandal Market in Phnom Penh, as a second suspect. Kimsrun was reportedly on the same bus as Lim Kimya and acted as a spotter. His whereabouts remain unknown after he fled back to Cambodia. On January 15, 2025, Thai police began searching for a third suspect, Ly Ratanakrasmey, an adviser to former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who they believe masterminded the assassination. According to Ekkalak Paenoi’s testimony, Ly Ratanakrasmey “harbored a grudge against the victim and asked him to ‘handle it.’”

After nearly two weeks of silence, Prime Minister Hun Manet condemned the assassination but denied any involvement by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), stating, “I want to ask: Why would the government be so stupid? If the government orchestrated it… why would we arrest the killer and send him to Thailand for an investigation?” He dismissed allegations from the opposition and analysts as politically motivated attempts to exploit the incident for political gains. However, the government's persistent refusal to identify the mastermind behind the targeted killings of Lim Kimya and other activists does little to reassure the public that justice will be served or to ease their distress.

As of this writing, the two Cambodian suspects, Pich Kimsrun and Ly Ratanakrasmey, remain at large in Cambodia despite Thai authorities issuing arrest warrants to turn them in. Many Cambodians are left asking: Why haven’t the Hun Manet’s authorities arrested them yet? WHY and MORE WHY?

Regarding the pursuit of justice, the present leadership often acts unilaterally to deflect attention from the real perpetrators, despite Lim Kimya’s wife, Lim Ani, believing that her husband’s murder was “politically motivated.” His son, Lim Thomas, stated, "Until the arrest of the two Khmer suspects, I was able to shed light on the truth surrounding my father's murder."

A Culture of Impunity

The culture of impunity remains a harsh reality in Cambodia. According to the 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Cambodia, the injustices committed by the current leadership are innumerable and deeply ingrained in the nation’s political, social, and economic fabric. From systematic political repression, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of free speech to land grabs, corruption, and human rights violations, these injustices have shaped decades of fear and instability. The legacy of impunity—particularly in silencing dissenting voices—has led to the erosion of democratic institutions, leaving ordinary Cambodians with little recourse for justice and accountability.

Over the years, critics, activists, and journalists have been targeted and killed under suspicious circumstances:

• Chea Vichea (2004) – A labor union leader advocating for workers’ rights, shot dead in Phnom Penh. The real perpetrators were never brought to justice.
• Chut Wutty (2012) – A prominent environmental activist fighting illegal deforestation, was shot and killed. His murder highlighted the complicity of government officials in land grabs.
• Kem Ley (2016) – A widely respected political analyst and government critic was assassinated in broad daylight at a gas station in Phnom Penh. Many believe his killing was politically motivated, as he had recently exposed a major corruption scandal involving Hun Sen’s family.
• Lim Kimya (2025)

The government’s prolonged political war against its opponents remains unrelenting. Praying and grieving have their place, offering solace and comfort, but they are not enough. They do not bring accountability. The victims and their families demand true justice—justice that goes beyond words and condolences. They seek a thorough investigation, the identification of the real mastermind, the prosecution of those responsible, and an end to the culture of impunity that enables such crimes to persist.

Without justice, the cycle of political violence and repression will continue, endangering more lives and reinforcing a system where accountability is nonexistent. It is time for Cambodia’s leadership to prioritize real justice for the victims rather than shielding those in power.

Yet, despite these challenges, the fight for democracy and justice continues. Cambodians, both inside and outside the country, remain steadfast in their push for real change.

May the sacrifices of those who gave their lives standing up for what is right and speaking out against the current leadership serve as a powerful reminder, inspiring Cambodians from all walks of life to rise above oppression, overcome fear, and reclaim their dignity and freedom.

 

Note: This piece was edited with the assistance of ChatGPT.

References:

https://thediplomat.com/2025/01/cambodian-police-arrest-primary-suspect-in-slaying-of-former-mp/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

https://www.rfa.org/english/cambodia/2025/01/13/thailand-cambodia-killing-lim-kimya/

https://www.rfa.org/english/cambodia/2025/01/15/thailand-killing-suspect/ 

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/suspect-murder-ex-lawmaker-bangkok-confession-gratitude-police/

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/cambodia-prime-minister-denies-government-behind-killing-ex-lawmaker-bangkok-thailand-4884466?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

 https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/cambodia/

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olMydj4ZOl8

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYTtIhnlvCI  

 

 

 

A Personal Reflection on Cambodia in 2024: Change is Underway

Picture taken on July 24, 2024 in Cambodia

Picture Taken on August 8, 2024, in Cambodia

Picture Taken on August 24, 2024, in Long Beach "NO CLV"

Picture Taken on December 8, 2024, in Long Beach "Protect Koh Kut"

A Personal Reflection on Cambodia in 2024: Change is Underway

As 2024 draws to a close, it presents an ideal opportunity to reflect on the significant progress and achievements made by the brave men and women working tirelessly both inside and outside Cambodia. For decades, the government—first under Hun Sen and now under his son, Hun Manet—has overseen relative peace, political stability, and economic growth. However, serious criticisms remain regarding its failure to prioritize the well-being and freedom of its people. Initiatives such as “ទិវាជ័យជម្នះប្រាំពីរមករា,” “នយោបាយឈ្នះឈ្នះ,”“អរគុណសន្តិភាព” ('Victory Day on 7 January', the 'Win-Win Policy,' and the “Thank You Peace” slogan) orchestrated by the ruling party have been praised by some, but many argue that the government's actions have often neglected the basic rights and needs of ordinary Cambodians. Critics contend that despite political stability, increased foreign investment, infrastructure development, and economic achievements, the government has consistently overlooked the well-being and freedoms of its citizens, allowing corruption, inequality, and authoritarian practices to persist.

 

This year, courageous individuals inside and outside the country refused to stand by and allow political events to unfold without the people’s consent. They made significant strides in resisting and confronting a range of challenges: crackdowns on opposition parties, dissenting voices, independent media, and civil society; suppression of rights; erosion of democratic values; deforestation and land grabs; familism and nepotism; widespread corruption and social inequality; systematic injustice; and the total consolidation of power by a one-party state. Their unwavering determination has left a meaningful impact and an indelible mark on our beloved motherland.

 

In addition to raising their voices locally and globally, these courageous individuals have brought people together, held influential leaders, wealthy elites, and powerful government officials accountable, and driven fair policy changes. They have advocated for greater fairness, transparency, and accountability on key issues such as the Funan Techo Canal project, the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Development Triangle, and Koh Kut’s ownership. By pressing leaders to take meaningful, inclusive, and lasting action, they have reminded us that when people unite and fight with common voices and values, they can free themselves from fear, want, and indignity.

 

While much work remains, these modest yet meaningful victories affirm an important truth: change is not only possible—it is happening. The unwavering dedication and bravery of these individuals in challenging and standing up against authoritarianism continue to inspire hope for a more just and equitable future for all Cambodians, not just a privileged few.

 

Context and Supporting Facts 

1. Crackdowns on Opposition, Civil Society, and Media: In recent years, Cambodia has witnessed systematic suppression of opposition parties, civil society, and independent media. The forced dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), the sentencing of former CNRP leader Kem Sokha to 27 years under house arrest, the disqualification of the Candle Light Party from contesting the July 2023 election, the shutdown of the country's only popular independent VOD news outlet, and the harassment and imprisonment of journalists and dissenters highlight the ongoing erosion of democratic principles. However, grassroots movements and international advocacy have brought global attention to these injustices, fostering increased scrutiny and support.

 

2. Deforestation and Environmental Concerns: Despite the government’s promises to address illegal logging and land reforms, deforestation and land grabbing remain unchecked in Cambodia and continue unabated despite the efforts of NGOs and countless protests. In 2001, Prime Minister Hun Sen promised to personally tackle deforestation and illegal logging, stating, “I will cut my own head off” (if the licenses of companies engaged in illegal logging were not revoked). However, Cambodia's forests continue to be devastated at an alarming rate. Projects like the Funan Techo Canal have been criticized for their environmental and social impacts. Activists have raised awareness, pressuring authorities to adopt more sustainable and inclusive approaches. 

 

3. Regional Cooperation: The Funan Techo Canal Project has caused new tensions between Vietnam and Cambodia and sparked debates over its security implications for Vietnam. The Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle exemplifies the complexities of regional development. While it offers economic opportunities, concerns about exploitation and unequal benefits persist. Recently, Koh Kut Island has become a contentious dispute area between Cambodia and Thailand. While Koh Kut is widely recognized as part of Thailand’s Trat Province, Cambodian activists living abroad have mainly held protests to bring the Koh Kut case to the International Court of Justice.

 

4. Resistance to Rule of Laws, Corruption, and Nepotism: While government officials dismiss the findings of the report, Cambodia ranks 141st out of 142 countries on the Rule of Law Index (second to last), according to the World Justice Project (WJP) report released in October 2024. Additionally, the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) places Cambodia 158th out of 180 countries, making it the second most corrupt country in ASEAN. Familism, nepotism, and blind loyalty among officials have entrenched inequalities within Cambodia’s political and economic systems. The current leadership has fostered a framework where upward mobility often feels more like a myth than a reality. However, civil society organizations and activists are questioning and challenging these divisive practices, advocating for meritocracy and fairness. These brave individuals have raised their voices through protests, international advocacy, petitions, and legal challenges, bringing attention to human rights abuses and environmental degradation.

 

Conclusion

The efforts of these brave individuals highlight a profound and complex reality: meaningful change requires collective action, resilience, and courage. Silencing, instilling fear, and suppressing those who disagree with the current political agenda are not effective ways to achieve sustainable peace, stability, national reconciliation, and inclusive development. Good never arises from force or fear. As Cambodia transitions into 2025, the momentum generated in 2024 demonstrates the power of unity and the enduring hope for a better future. 

The challenges ahead are daunting, but the actions of these brave men and women remind us that a brighter, more just future is possible. They have shown that Cambodians are capable of standing up against entrenched systems of power, familism, nepotism, and the unequal distribution of wealth and land. Their courage inspires the next generation and ordinary citizens to speak out and demand justice, accountability, equity, and freedom.

May all Cambodians see and understand the reality of what is truly happening in our broken homeland. May all Cambodians live free from fear and want, embracing a life of dignity.

 

The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed in this reflection are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of others.

 

References:

Freedom House Cambodia

https://freedomhouse.org/country/cambodia/freedom-world/2024

 

Human Rights Watch Cambodia

https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/cambodia

Re-imagining Cambodia today and beyond              

https://www.nationthailand.com/perspective/30350918

Cambodia: Opposition Candlelight Party barred from July vote

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65478798

 

Opposition abroad accused of provoking border dispute over Koh Kut

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501596196/opposition-abroad-accused-of-provoking-border-dispute-over-koh-kut/

 

PM Stresses Political Maturity in Resolving Koh Kut Dispute

https://kiripost.com/stories/pm-stresses-political-maturity-in-resolving-koh-kut-dispute

 

Hun Manet dismisses nepotism accusations after brother’s promotion

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/cambodia-hun-many-nepotism-02222024173706.html

 

Cambodia pulls out of a regional development pact after protests

https://apnews.com/article/cambodia-vietnam-laos-agreement-ddb4e90a277291fa26d33e58ea59f6e9

 

Was There Actually a Cambodian Victory Over Genocide on January 7, 1979? https://khmerpostusa.com/was-there-actually-a-cambodian-victory-over-genocide-on-january-7-1979/

Cambodia: Arrests Target Critics of Regional Development Zone

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/08/cambodia-arrests-target-critics-of-regional-development-zone/

 

Cambodia: Arrests Target Critics of Regional Development Zone

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/vietnam-cambodia-protest-clv-development-triangle-08162024144621.html

 

The murky waters of Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal

https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/murky-waters-cambodia-s-funan-techo-canal

 

The Funan Techo Canal And Vietnam’s Maritime-Continental Dilemma – Analysis

https://www.eurasiareview.com/08122024-the-funan-techo-canal-and-vietnams-maritime-continental-dilemma-analysis/

 

Cambodia’s Land Grabbing Crisis

https://thecontrapuntal.com/cambodias-land-grabbing-crisis/

 

Civil society and development in Cambodia: Challenges and opportunities for anti-corruption

https://www.u4.no/blog/civil-society-and-development-in-cambodia-challenges-and-opportunities-for-anti-corruption

 

Human Insecurity Scourge: The Land-Grabbing Crisis in Cambodia

https://www.academia.edu/121687579/Human_Insecurity_Scourge_The_Land_Grabbing_Crisis_in_Cambodia

 

Human Security and Land Rights in Cambodia. Phnom Penh: Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace.

https://www.academia.edu/12694424/Beban_A_and_Pou_S_2015_Human_Security_and_Land_Rights_in_Cambodia_Phnom_Penh_Cambodian_Institute_for_Cooperation_and_Peace

 

The Voices of Change in Cambodia

https://www.academia.edu/41643664/The_Voices_of_Change_in_Cambodia_

 

Cambodia Again Ranks Second to Last on Rule of Law Index; Officials Dismiss Findings

https://cambojanews.com/cambodia-again-ranks-second-to-last-on-rule-of-law-index-officials-dismiss-findings/

 

Transparency International Cambodia

https://www.ticambodia.org/cpi2023/

 

The Wood for the Trees

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/logging-cambodia-focus-asean/

គំនូរផាត់ពណ៍មុខទាំងសងខាង/Color Drawing of Two-Sided Face

ខ្ញុំស្វែងរកដំណោះស្រាយ នៃការបាត់បងអតីតកាលដែលមិនអាចយកមកវិញបាន ប៉ះមនុស្សជាទីស្រលាញ់។ បទពិសោធន៍ដ៏តក់ស្លុតនៅតែលងបន្លាចខ្ញុំ។

I am mending the irretrievable loss of the past, to touch my loved ones. The traumatic experiences still haunt me. 

គំនូរផាត់ពណ៍មុខទាំងសងខាង 

មុខទាំងសងខាងរបស់ខ្ញុំ គឺតំណាងឲ្យស្ថានភាពសុខភាពផ្លូវចិត្តរបស់ខ្ញុំ។ នៅមួយចំហៀងនៃមុខរបស់ខ្ញុំបានបង្ហាញនូវស្នាមញញឹមដ៏រីករាយ និងស្ងប់ចិត្តចំពោះជីវិតដែលកំពុងរស់នៅក្នុងសហរដ្ឋអាមេរិច។  ឯមុខមួយចំហៀងទៀតកុំពុងតែបង្ហាញនូវស្នាមញញឹម (ភាពកើតទុក្ខ) ដែលកកជាប់ក្នុងពេលវេលា ដែលបានកន្លងផុតទៅនាពេលដែលខ្ញុំកុំពុងតែរងភាពតក់ស្លុតរន្ធត់ចំពោះការបាត់បង់ជីវិតរបស់អ្នកម្ដាយ ប្អូនប្រុសពីរនាក់ និងប្អូនស្រីពីរនាក់របស់ខ្ញុំនៅក្រោមស្នាដៃរបស់ឃាតកររបបប្រល័យពូជសាសន៍ខ្មែរក្រហមដ៏ឃោឃៅ។ កែវភ្នែកដែលដក់ជាំខ្មៅងងឹតហាក់បីដូចជាកំពុងរៀបរាប់នូវរឿងរ៉ាវដ៏សែនឈឺចាប់នៃការបាត់ បង់នូវសេចក្ដីទុកចិត្ត អស់សង្ឃឹមនៃភាពជាមនុស្ស។ វាពិតជាចំាបាច់ណាស់ដែលមុខទំាងសងខាងនេះត្រូវការ ការផ្សះផ្សារដើម្បីឲ្យភាពខុសគ្នាអាចជាសះស្បើយឡើងវិញហើយក៏អាចរកសេចក្តីស្ងប់ចិត្តនិងទទួលបាននូវសន្តិភាពក្នុងចិត្តជានិរន្តរ៍តរៀងទៅអើយ។

Color Drawing of Two-Sided Face

The two sides of my face represent my mental health condition. On one side, my face reveals a cheerful smile and a well-balanced contentment with life in America. The other side shows a smile frozen in time, traumatized by the horrific experience of losing my mother, two brothers, and two sisters at the hands of the Khmer Rouge genocide regime. The sunken dark eye reveals a painful story of disconnection from trust, hope, and humanity. There is a need to process and integrate these two divergent sides to reconcile, heal, find closure, and gain internal peace.

https://sigtrib.com/tag/un-invisible-project/  

Let It Go and Let It Flow?

                             Mekong River, Neak Loeung, Cambodia

Let It Go and Let It Flow? 

In Cambodia, based on my stay of over ten years (2008-2018) and subsequent visits (2019, 2022, 2023), I continue to see injustice, poverty, corruption, fear, intimidation, nepotism, impunity, immorality, oppression, wealth disparity, inequitable opportunity, economic inequality, social exploitation, environmental degradation, divisiveness, and structural violence that occur when social structures, institutions, and policies prevent people from meeting their basic human security needs (free from fear, want, and indignity).  I also observe a steep decline in the Buddhist religion. A significant number of monks across the country need to pay more attention to the teachings of Buddha in terms of discipline or code of conduct (Vinaya), morality, and the path to righteousness. Instead, almost everyone seems to be addicted to money (Sassana Dollar), power, status, and material possessions. What I witnessed in my homeland demoralized me and sent me into a feeling of despair and hopelessness—immobilized by a moral crisis. Caught between accepting and rejecting the harsh realities, I often ponder, “Should I let it go and let it flow?” - contemplating the Mekong River.

Remembrance and Justice in Cambodia - 49 Years after the Khmer Rouge Atrocities

Pictures taken at Wat Pudtamongkol

Remembrance and Official Day of Mourning April 17, 2024

Remembrance and Justice in Cambodia - 49 Years after the Khmer Rouge Atrocities

 

“… A society cannot know itself if it doesn't have an inaccurate memory of its own history.” 

- Youk Chhang, Director, The Documentation Center of Cambodia.

 Introduction

April 17, 1975, marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, signifying the total victory of the Khmer Rouge over the Khmer Republic, and the commencement of a period characterized by unimaginable pain, immense suffering, anger, and lasting grief— infamously known as "Khmer killing Khmer",  war crimes, mass atrocities, crimes against humanity, genocide and widespread devastation in Cambodia. On that pivotal day, the Khmer Rouge forces seized control of Phnom Penh, evacuating the city's residents hours later as part of their radical social engineering policies, forcibly relocating millions of people to rural areas in an attempt to create an agrarian utopia. Over the subsequent three years, eight months, and twenty days, the Khmer Rouge turned Cambodia back to  “Year Zero” which resulted in the deaths of approximately 2 million people, about a quarter of the country’s population,  through starvation, extrajudicial killings, forced labor, and disease. Among the deaths, were my mother, two brothers, and two sisters. They were forced to kneel at the edge of the mass grave while the Khmer Rouge cadres clubbed them on the back of their head with the hoe on 20 July 1977 at Commune Cheu Til Phlous, Village Cheyo,  District Chamkar Leu, Province Kompong Cham province. This date also symbolizes the commencement of the darkest chapter in Cambodian history, serving as a solemn day of mourning and remembrance for the countless lives lost and the enduring trauma inflicted upon all Cambodian people.

Remembrance and Buddhist Rituals

 

 Forty-nine years after the Khmer Rouge atrocities, I joined other fellow Cambodian elders and several young generations from the Killing Fields Memorial Center at Wat Pudtamongkol in Long Beach to “Remember victims of the Killing Fields on any April 17 rain or shine” (Killing Fields Memorial Center’s mission). This gathering provided a platform for survivors to speak openly and share their individual stories and the issues they have faced due to the enduring legacy of the Khmer Rouge. Commemorating this significant date is not merely about paying tribute to the countless lives lost in the Killing Fields; it also serves as a deep reflection on the profound destruction inflicted upon Cambodia's infrastructure and foundation – schools, banks, and telecommunications were shut down,  and social fabric, familial structures, and religious practices were destroyed. These social and emotional wounds have left an indelible mark on the collective psyche of the Cambodian people, creating a lasting and profound impact on both the nation and its people. It is important for the Cambodian community that the lessons of the genocide must not be forgotten.

 

The majority of Cambodians practice Theravada Buddhism with a common saying asserting “To be Khmer is to be Buddhist”. This belief system has played a significant role in offering hope, resilience, solace, and healing to survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime.  The core teachings of Buddha center on suffering, impermanence, compassion, and the path to liberation from suffering – providing a framework for understanding trauma and finding inner peace. 

 

The commemoration ceremony began with the lighting of candles, burning incense at an altar, and offerings to the monks.  Following the three bows to Buddha statues, and three to the monks, Lok Ta Achar, the elder officiant or facilitator, directed participants to make offerings (រតនបូជា) and pay homage to the Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha (ពទ្ធរតនបណាមធម្មរតនបណាម សង្ឃរតនបណាម) and the Triple Gems (ថ្វាយបង្គំរតនត្រ័យសង្ខេប).  Ta Achar then guided our attention to the monks who administered the Five Precepts ceremony (សមាទាន និច្ចសីល- សិលប្រាំ), delivered a sermon (អារាធនាព្រះសង្សចំរើន ព្រះបរិត្ត) on Buddha’s teachings, and expounded on the practice of meditation (អារាធនាធម្មធិកសម្តែងធម៌ទេសនា -សមាធិ). Participants were asked to practice samadhi to be in the moment – sit comfortably and calmly focus on each incoming and outgoing breath for five minutes.  Additionally, the monks performed Bangsokol (បង្សុកូល) – a Buddhist rite of passage that accompanies Cambodian funeral rites aiding the spirits of the dead into the next life.

 

After offering food and almsgiving (វេរចង្ហាន់ រាប់បាត្រ), the monks bestowed blessings upon the participants. To conclude the Buddhist Rituals, attendees dedicated merit to deceased relatives, and all sentient beings, praying that the benefits of their good deeds would extend to others. This gathering, blending religious observances with social services, provided practical assistance and emotional support to the survivors. May the merits accrued be shared with all beings, whether human or nonhuman, visible or invisible, distant or near. May the souls of the two million people who perished under the Khmer Rouge find solace.

 

Memory, Justice, and Searching for the Truth

 

As I look back forty-nine years after the Khmer Rouge atrocities, it is evident that time doesn't heal all wounds and grief. Many survivors I met still carry pain, suffering, and generational trauma. The haunting memories of the Killing Fields continue to dominate the minds and the behavior of the survivors who endured unspeakable horrors.  Many of the emotional and psychological wounds inflicted by these atrocities remained unhealed. Dr. David Kenzie, Professor of Psychiatry, at Oregon Health Sciences University, who treated severely traumatized Cambodian refugee patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affirmed that “The patients are often numb, or focused on somatic or other symptoms an effort to avoid the past. It is a wound that does not heal”.

 

The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), also known as the Khmer Rouge Tribunal (KRT), concluded its official work on September 22, 2022, sentencing the only surviving top leader, Khieu Samphan, aged 93, to life in prison. After 16 years and $337 million, resulting in just 3 convictions (the other two convicts Noun Chea passed away on August 4, 2019, and Kaing Guek Eav also known as Duch died on September 2, 2020) one may question the worth of the tribunal in delivering justice, uncovering the truth, and achieving genuine national reconciliation. Furthermore, while only three Khmer Rouge leaders were legally held accountable, numerous Khmer Rouge cadres who were directly ordered or participated in stabbing children, beating people to death, starving them randomly, and denying medical help to the injured have been allowed to live freely in the same village as the victims. This freedom has been granted, often without consequences, by the former Khmer Rouge defectors and a seemingly indifferent UN court. The top Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot, a paranoid and a  megalomaniac, was the mastermind behind the carnage and bore primary responsibility for the destruction of Cambodia. He did not face justice as he passed away in 1998, and some other senior Khmer Rouge leaders died before they could be brought to trial.

 

Furthermore, the agreement establishing the ECCC, a collaboration between international and government entities, limited its jurisdiction to the highest-ranking Khmer Rouge leaders primarily responsible for crimes from 1975 to 1979. This focus on addressing the most egregious atrocities came at the expense of disregarding the origins and aftermath of the Khmer Rouge era, including the 1970 military coup, U.S.-led bombing, and subsequent Vietnamese occupation. The vast majority of Khmer Rouge members implicated in and supporting these atrocities have yet to face accountability for their actions. Consequently, the failure to fully address the causes and consequences of the Khmer Rouge period perpetuates division within Cambodia. While Khmer Rouge defectors and current leaders commemorate January 7th, 1979, as the liberation of the Killing Fields and a second rebirth, many other Cambodians perceive the date as one of bitterness—the bitterness of the Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia from 1979 to 1989.

 

Survivors’ Four Distinct Attitudes

Based on my extensive interaction with the victims in Cambodia and abroad, survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime often display complex and varied emotions regarding the enduring pain and suffering they experienced. These feelings can be categorized into four distinct attitudes:

1.   Forgive and Forget: Some adopt an attitude of acceptance, believing that "what's done is done." This perspective aligns with the government's position, as articulated by Former Prime Minister and Former Khmer Rouge Military Commander Hun Sen on December 25, 1998, urging to "dig a hole and bury the past."

2.   Forgive but Not Forget: Another stance involves forgiveness without necessarily forgetting. It avoids retribution and punishment, instead trusting in Kamma to dispense justice.

3.   Not Forgive but Forget: For some survivors, there's a focus on retribution, individual accountability, and punishment. This attitude may involve suppressing memories and numbing feelings to alleviate ongoing suffering.

4.   Not Forgive and Not Forget: Lastly, some adamantly refuse to forgive or forget. They advocate for retribution, adherence to the rule of law, and holding individuals accountable. This perspective emphasizes the importance of justice and truth, viewing them as essential rights of the victims and survivors. It asserts that lasting peace and national reconciliation can only be achieved through comprehensive justice and truth, which extends beyond the interests of the state and international bodies like the UN.

 

Conclusion: Never Forget, Never Forgive, Never Again.

 

In Cambodia, the pursuit of justice and truth is not solely the responsibility of the state and international courts like the UN. Rather, it belongs fundamentally to the victims and survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime. Their voices, experiences, and quest for accountability are paramount for genuine reconciliation and finding closure. Remaining silent is not an option when injustice rules and the truth still needs to be uncovered.

 

As I departed Wat Pudtamongkol, I found consolation in the belief that kamma might ultimately deliver justice where the Khmer Rouge Tribunal fell short. The memory of April 17, 1975, remains ingrained in my mind as a powerful reminder: Never Forget, Never Forgive, Never Again.

 

 

 

References 

 

David Kenzie, professor of psychiatry, Oregon Health Sciences University, and Jenelle Fleck, Psychiatrist nurse practitioner at Oregon Health Sciences University Psychotherapy with Severely Traumatized Refugees, American Journal of Psychotherapy, Vol. XLI, No2, January 1987.

 

DC-CAM: https://www.dccam.org/

 

ECCC: https://www.eccc.gov.kh/en

 

Erika Pinenos, March 5, 2023, When Transitional Justice Falls Short https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/03/05/transitional-justice-cambodia-colombia-khmer-rouge-tribunal/

 

Human Rights Watch, Cambodia: Khmer Rouge Convictions ‘Too Little, Too Late' https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/08/08/cambodia-khmer-rouge-convictions-too-little-too-late

 

Nicole Cochran, Andrew Wells-Dang, October 3, 2022, Never Again? The Legacy of Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge Trials, https://www.usip.org/publications/2022/10/never-again-legacy-cambodias-khmer-rouge-trials  

 

Seth Mydans, December 29, 1998, CAMBODIAN LEADER RESISTS PUNISHING TOP KHMER ROUGE, https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/29/world/cambodian-leader-resists-punishing-top-khmer-rouge.html