Frontline World Season 4 Episode 8 Cambodia: Pol Pot's Shadow

In season 4 episode 8 of Frontline/World, entitled "Cambodia: Pol Pot's Shadow," the show takes a deep dive into the history and present-day consequences of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. The Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 and is responsible for the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people through forced labor, execution, and starvation.

The episode begins with an exploration of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly S-21, a detention and torture center used by the Khmer Rouge. The museum holds thousands of graphic photographs and personal testimonies of those who suffered at the hands of the regime. The host speaks to the son of one of the few survivors of S-21 who now acts as a guide at the museum.

The focus then shifts to the current state of Cambodia and how the legacy of the Khmer Rouge still affects the country. The show's reporters investigate the illegal logging trade that is contributing to the destruction of Cambodia's forests, which were previously used as hiding places by the Khmer Rouge. They delve into how the deforestation has led to a shortage of clean water and the displacement of indigenous communities.

The episode also explores how the Khmer Rouge's legacy has affected the country's legal system. The show investigates the International Criminal Court's decision to drop charges against a former Khmer Rouge prison chief due to his poor health. The reporters speak to a human rights lawyer who questions whether justice is truly being served, given that many Khmer Rouge leaders have died without facing consequences for their crimes.

Throughout the episode, Frontline/World highlights individual stories of those affected by the Khmer Rouge. One particular story follows a man who has dedicated his life to providing prosthetic limbs to victims of the regime's landmines. He lost his own leg to a landmine while fighting against the Khmer Rouge as a soldier and has since helped thousands of others to walk again.

Overall, "Cambodia: Pol Pot's Shadow" is a powerful and important episode that sheds light on the ongoing impact of the Khmer Rouge regime today. Through personal stories and investigative reporting, the show highlights the need for continued attention and efforts to seek justice for the victims and prevent similar atrocities from occurring in the future.