(One for the adults)
The Tuol Sleng Museum used to be a secondary school but in 1975 it was converted into a prison and interrogation centre by Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge. They renamed it “S.21” (Security office 21).
The classrooms on the ground and first floors were divided into individual cells. The rooms on the second floor were used for mass detention.
Thousands of victims (peasants, workers, technicians, engineers, doctors, teachers, students, buddhist monks, ministers, Pol Pot’s Cadres, soldiers of all ranks, foreigners and more) were imprisoned, tortured and killed, along with their wives and children.
I had the afternoon to walk around and listen to an audio guide of the various rooms and exhibits and stories. It was very heavy going but definitely a worthwhile experience.
Angela was able to go a few days later as we didn’t think it was appropriate for Sam and Martha to experience it at their age so we both went separately.
The story of the prison in a dark period in Cambodia’s history has to be told and one that we will never forget.
