Bou Meng, a Cambodian artist who survived the notorious S-21 torture center under the Khmer Rouge regime, has died at the age of 85. He was one of only seven known individuals to survive the facility, also known as Tuol Sleng.
His survival for nearly two years at the prison, beginning in 1977, was attributed to his artistic skills, particularly his ability to paint portraits of the regime's leader, Pol Pot. The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, a United Nations-backed tribunal, announced his death late Friday, citing age-related illness.
"The passing of Mr. Bou Meng represents the loss of an important historical witness to the grave crimes committed during the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, particularly to the history and tragedy that took place at the former S-21 Security Centre," the tribunal stated. The Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979, and its radical policies led to the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million Cambodians through execution, starvation, and lack of medical care.
Bou Meng, along with fellow survivors Vann Nath and Chum Mey, testified in 2009 during the trial of Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, the commandant of S-21. Duch was convicted in 2010 of crimes against humanity, torture, and murder, and received a life sentence, dying in prison in 2020.
During his 2010 testimony, Bou Meng recounted how painting portraits of Pol Pot and other communist leaders, such as Mao Zedong and Kim Il Sung, helped save his life. He also described being ordered to paint an image of Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh with the head of a dog, a reflection of Cambodia's animosity towards Vietnam, which eventually invaded to overthrow the Khmer Rouge.
Youk Chhang, head of the Documentation Center of Cambodia, emphasized the importance of preserving the stories of survivors. "I urge action to preserve stories of the millions who survived the Khmer Rouge and provide them with both mental and physical health support," Chhang said.
Bou Meng had joined the Khmer Rouge during its war against a pro-American government. However, after their victory, he was detained during internal purges. He endured severe torture before being assigned to his painting duties. His first wife was arrested with him and disappeared from the prison, presumed executed. Their two children, taken to the countryside, were also likely killed.
In his later years, Bou Meng remarried and often spent time at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, selling copies of a book detailing his experiences. The museum now stands on the site of the former high school that the Khmer Rouge converted into the S-21 prison.