Global Voices Season 5 Episode 2 Comrade Duch: The Bookkeepper of Death

In Global Voices season 5 episode 2 titled "Comrade Duch: The Bookkeeper of Death," viewers are taken on a journey into the life of Kaing Guek Eav, also known as Comrade Duch. Duch was a high-ranking member of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia during the 1970s, and was responsible for the torture and murder of thousands of people during his time as the commander of the notorious S-21 prison.

Through interviews with survivors, experts, and journalists who covered Duch's trial, the episode sheds light on the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge and the impact they had on Cambodian society. It also explores the complexity of Duch's character, as he was not only a brutal and sadistic torturer, but also a meticulous record-keeper who documented his victims' confessions in detail.

The episode follows the journey of one survivor, Chum Mey, as he seeks justice for the torture he endured at S-21. Viewers witness Mey's emotional testimony during Duch's trial, and learn how he has turned his experience into a mission to educate others about the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Global Voices also speaks with journalists who covered Duch's trial and the subsequent verdict, which found him guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced him to life in prison. They discuss the challenges of covering such a sensitive and emotionally charged topic, and reflect on the impact of the verdict on the Cambodian people.

Throughout the episode, viewers are reminded of the importance of remembering and acknowledging the atrocities of the past in order to prevent them from happening again in the future. The story of Comrade Duch serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked power and the need for accountability and justice.

"Comrade Duch: The Bookkeeper of Death" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode of Global Voices that sheds light on a dark period of Cambodian history and honors the memories of those who suffered under the Khmer Rouge regime.