Documentation Center of Cambodia

 

Building Democracy in Cambodia through Legal Education

Witnessing Justice 30 Years Later

 

A Live Screening Verdict on Case 002/01 at Prey Takoy Pagoda

Damnak Chang-eu District, Kep Province

 

August 07, 2014

 

Photo by Sopheak Pheana, Jillian Nowak, Kimsroy Sokvisal, and Linh Somaly

On August 7, 2014 , a live screening of the verdict in Case 002/01, against Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan, was held in the dining hall of Prey Takoy pagoda. Prey Takoy pagoda is situated in Prey Takoy village, Pong Tik Commune, Damnak Chang-eu District, Kep Province. It is one of the oldest pagodas in Kep, built before the French colonization. Countless men were ordained as monks and studied in this pagoda before the Khmer Rouge regime. Unfortunately, Prey Takoy pagoda was partially destroyed when the Khmer Rouge came to power, and it was converted to a commune hospital, where thousands of patients -- 17 April people and base people -- received insufficient medical treatment, died, and were buried in a forest behind the pagoda. Today the pagoda stands in a beautifully green environment surrounded by paddy fields. In addition to its large dining hall, the pagoda provides a safe and quiet gathering space. This beautiful pagoda was selected for this forum because it is a well-respected pagoda where survivors and former Khmer Rouge cadres normally go to hold Buddhist ceremonies.