# Kang Kek Iew

> war criminal and former leader in the Khmer Rouge (1942–2020)

**Wikidata**: [Q336412](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q336412)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kang_Kek_Iew)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kang-kek-iew

## Summary
Kang Kek Iew (1942–2020) was a Cambodian war criminal and former leader of the Khmer Rouge, the brutal regime responsible for the genocide of Cambodian civilians during the late 1970s. He served as a high-ranking official in the Khmer Rouge and was later convicted of crimes against humanity by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).

## Biography
- Born: 1942 (exact date unknown)
- Nationality: Cambodian
- Education: Attended Lycee Sisowath in Phnom Penh
- Known for: Leading the Khmer Rouge and committing war crimes
- Employer(s): Khmer Rouge (1975–1979)
- Field(s): Political leadership, military governance

## Contributions
Kang Kek Iew played a significant role in the Khmer Rouge regime, which carried out mass executions, forced labor, and systematic destruction of Cambodian society. He was involved in the establishment of the Tuol Sleng torture center (S-21), where thousands of prisoners were subjected to brutal interrogations and executions. His leadership contributed to the regime's genocidal policies, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1.7 to 2 million Cambodians.

## FAQs
**What was Kang Kek Iew's role in the Khmer Rouge?**
Kang Kek Iew served as a high-ranking official in the Khmer Rouge, overseeing security and enforcement of the regime's policies. He was responsible for implementing the regime's brutal policies, including mass executions and forced labor.

**Where was Kang Kek Iew educated?**
Kang Kek Iew attended Lycee Sisowath in Phnom Penh, a prestigious school in Cambodia.

**What crimes was Kang Kek Iew convicted of?**
Kang Kek Iew was convicted of crimes against humanity by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) for his role in the Khmer Rouge's genocidal policies.

**What was the Tuol Sleng torture center?**
The Tuol Sleng torture center, also known as S-21, was a former Security Prison 21 under the Khmer Rouge. It was used to interrogate and execute prisoners, and Kang Kek Iew was involved in its establishment and operation.

## Why They Matter
Kang Kek Iew's actions as a leader in the Khmer Rouge had a devastating impact on Cambodia, leading to the deaths of millions of civilians. His conviction by the ECCC marked a significant step in holding perpetrators of the genocide accountable. His legacy serves as a reminder of the horrors of political violence and the importance of justice in addressing past atrocities.

## Notable For
- High-ranking leader in the Khmer Rouge
- Involved in the establishment and operation of the Tuol Sleng torture center (S-21)
- Convicted of crimes against humanity by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC)
- Played a key role in the Khmer Rouge's genocidal policies

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Kang Kek Iew was born in 1942 in Cambodia. He attended Lycee Sisowath in Phnom Penh, a prestigious school that provided him with an education before his involvement in the Khmer Rouge.

### Role in the Khmer Rouge
Kang Kek Iew served as a high-ranking official in the Khmer Rouge, a communist regime that ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. He was responsible for implementing the regime's brutal policies, including mass executions and forced labor. His leadership contributed to the Khmer Rouge's genocidal policies, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1.7 to 2 million Cambodians.

### Involvement in the Tuol Sleng Torture Center
Kang Kek Iew was involved in the establishment and operation of the Tuol Sleng torture center, also known as S-21. This facility was used to interrogate and execute prisoners, and his role in its establishment and operation is well-documented.

### Legal Consequences
Kang Kek Iew was later convicted of crimes against humanity by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) for his role in the Khmer Rouge's genocidal policies. His conviction marked a significant step in holding perpetrators of the genocide accountable.

### Legacy
Kang Kek Iew's legacy serves as a reminder of the horrors of political violence and the importance of justice in addressing past atrocities. His actions as a leader in the Khmer Rouge had a devastating impact on Cambodia, and his conviction by the ECCC is a testament to the pursuit of justice for the victims of the genocide.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53994189)
2. BnF authorities
3. general catalog of BnF
4. [Gevangeniscommandant van Rode Khmer overleden. 2020](https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200902_91548842)
5. [Muere Kaing Guek Eav, el encargado del principal centro de tortura de los Jemeres Rojos de Camboya. Agencia EFE. 2020](https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-muere-kaing-guek-eav-encargado-principal-centro-tortura-jemeres-rojos-camboya-20200902050149.html)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. [Source](https://www.eccc.gov.kh/fr/case/topic/212)