Pol Pot quotes

Pol Pot was a Cambodian revolutionary and politician who led the Khmer Rouge regime. Under his rule, Cambodia experienced a brutal genocide that resulted in the deaths of millions. He is remembered as one of the most infamous dictators of the 20th century. Here are 14 of his quotes:

Whoever wishes to blame or attack me is entitled to do so. I regret I didn't have enough experience to totally control the movement. On the other hand, with our constant struggle, this had to be done together with others in the communist world to stop Kampuchea becoming Vietnamese.

Pol Pot

We want only peace, to build up our country. World opinion is paying great attention to the threat against Democratic Kampuchea. They are anxious. They fear Kampuchea cannot oppose the Vietnamese. This could hurt the interests of the Southeast Asian countries and all of the world's countries.

Pol Pot

There's what we did wrong and what we did right. The mistake is that we did some things against the people - by us and also by the enemy - but the other side, as I told you, is that without our struggle there would be no Cambodia right now.

Pol Pot

When I die, my only wish is that Cambodia remain Cambodia and belong to the West. It is over for communism, and I want to stress that.

Pol Pot

I was responsible for everything so I accept responsibility and blame but show me, comrade, one document proving that I was personally responsible for the deaths.

Pol Pot

First, I would like to tell you that I came to carry out the struggle, not to kill people. Even now, and you can look at me, am I savage person? My conscience is clear.

Pol Pot

Tuol Sleng was a Vietnamese exhibition; a journalist wrote that. People talk about Tuol Sleng, Tuol Sleng, Toul Sleng, but when we look at the pictures, the pictures are the same. When I first heard about Tuol Sleng, it was on VOA [Voice of America]. I listened twice.

Pol Pot

Our policy was to provide an affluent life for the people. There were mistakes made in carrying it out. Several thousand people may have died.

Pol Pot

We did not yet have laws or order. We were like children just learning to walk.

Pol Pot

I'm quite modest. I don't want to tell people I'm a leader.

Pol Pot

It's up to history to judge.

Pol Pot

Since he is of no use anymore, there is no gain if he lives and no loss if he dies.

Pol Pot