Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) | Phnom Penh

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21) is one of the most poignant and sobering historical sites in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It serves as a memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime, which ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 under the leadership of Pol Pot. The museum is located at the site of a former high school that was transformed into a prison and interrogation center during the genocide.

Historical Background

Tuol Sleng was originally built as a high school in the 1960s, known as Tuol Svay Pray High School. However, when the Khmer Rouge took control of Phnom Penh in 1975, they repurposed the building into Security Prison 21 (S-21), a notorious facility used for the torture, interrogation, and execution of perceived political enemies of the regime. It is estimated that between 14,000 and 20,000 people passed through S-21 during its operation, with only a handful surviving.

The Khmer Rouge regime, led by Pol Pot, sought to create an agrarian communist society by abolishing urban areas, eradicating perceived enemies, and executing mass killings. This led to the deaths of an estimated 1.7 to 2 million Cambodians, a quarter of the population, in what became known as the Cambodian Genocide.

The Transformation into a Prison

Upon the Khmer Rouge’s takeover of Phnom Penh, the high school building was converted into a prison where prisoners were held, tortured, and forced to confess to crimes they did not commit. The prisoners were often accused of being spies or traitors for the Khmer Rouge, or simply for being intellectuals, professionals, or members of perceived enemy groups. The prisoners were subjected to brutal methods of torture, including beatings, electric shocks, and the threat of execution if they did not confess.

The prisoners were kept in cells that had been created by enclosing classrooms with brick walls and barbed wire. Most of the detainees were held in the prison for weeks or months before being transferred to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields for execution. Only a few individuals survived the ordeal, including one of the most famous survivors, Chum Mey, who later became an advocate for remembering the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge era.

The Museum Today

After the fall of the Khmer Rouge in 1979, the prison site was abandoned until 1980 when it was converted into the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The museum was established to preserve the memory of the atrocities committed there and to educate future generations about the horrors of the genocide. It serves as a memorial to the victims and a place for reflection and remembrance.

The museum is a stark and moving experience. It contains photographs, documents, and other materials that chronicle the lives of those who were detained and tortured at S-21. Visitors can walk through the preserved classrooms, now functioning as exhibit spaces, and see photographs of the victims as well as the disturbing details of the torture methods used. The museum’s exhibits also include the stories of survivors, such as those who were fortunate enough to escape execution.

Key Exhibits and Areas

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum has several important sections that visitors can explore:

The Cell Blocks: The classrooms that were turned into prison cells remain largely intact, with simple metal bed frames still present. Some rooms have photographs of the prisoners who were held there, as well as the conditions in which they were kept.

The Portrait Gallery: One of the most haunting aspects of the museum is the collection of photographs of prisoners taken upon their arrival at S-21. These photographs, which were taken by the Khmer Rouge as part of their record-keeping, show the faces of the individuals who were detained and executed at the prison. The somber expressions on their faces make the tragedy feel personal and immediate.

The Torture Devices: Several rooms display the equipment used for torture, such as chains, shackles, and makeshift implements that were used to force confessions from prisoners. Visitors can learn about the methods of torture that were employed by the Khmer Rouge to extract information and confessions, many of which were entirely fabricated.

Documents and Records: The museum also houses documents and records from the time of the Khmer Rouge regime, including maps, personal belongings, and other items that were left behind by the prisoners. There are also testimonies and accounts from survivors, which are critical in understanding the personal impact of the genocide.

Memorial and Remembrance: The museum features a memorial to the victims, with photographs, names, and descriptions of the people who were detained and murdered at S-21. It is a space dedicated to honoring the lives lost during the genocide.

The Role of the Museum

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum plays a critical role in educating visitors, particularly younger generations, about the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge. It serves as an important reminder of the dangers of totalitarian regimes and the consequences of hatred, discrimination, and political extremism. The museum also contributes to the ongoing process of healing in Cambodia, where many survivors of the genocide continue to deal with the emotional and psychological impacts of their experiences.

Moreover, the museum contributes to international efforts to document and understand the Cambodian Genocide. It is part of the larger effort by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), which was established to try the perpetrators of the genocide. The ECCC has brought some of the leaders of the Khmer Rouge to trial, and the museum plays an important role in supporting the search for justice and accountability.

Visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

A visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a deeply emotional experience. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on the atrocities committed and consider the personal stories behind the victims and survivors. The museum provides an opportunity to learn about the history of Cambodia’s tragic past while promoting a message of peace, reconciliation, and justice.

While visiting, it is important to be respectful of the sensitive nature of the site. The museum provides guided tours and information in several languages, which can help visitors understand the context and significance of the exhibits. Audio guides and exhibitions in English and Khmer also enhance the experience, providing detailed historical and personal insights into the museum's collections.

Conclusion

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is an essential site for understanding the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime and the impact of the Cambodian Genocide. Through its exhibits, it honors the memory of the victims, educates the public about the atrocities committed, and promotes healing for the survivors and their families. It stands as a powerful reminder of the need for justice, accountability, and the importance of remembering the past in order to prevent such atrocities from happening again.