Khmer Rouge (political group)

The Khmer Rouge was a communist political movement in Cambodia led by Pol Pot, ruling from 1975 to 1979. They aimed to transform Cambodia into a rural, classless society by abolishing urban areas, private property, and capitalism. This radical ideology led to brutal policies, forced evacuations, labor camps, and mass executions, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1.7 to 2 million people—about a quarter of the population. Their rule ended in 1979 when Vietnam invaded Cambodia. The Khmer Rouge's actions are considered one of the most severe genocides of the 20th century.