Artists & Writers · Modern
Pol Pot’s Last Words
“I came to carry out the struggle, not to kill people. Even now, and you can look at me: am I a savage person?”— Pol Pot, April 15, 1998
Who Was Pol Pot?
Pol Pot led the Khmer Rouge, whose rule over Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 resulted in the deaths of approximately 2 million people — a quarter of the country's population.
The Final Moments
Pol Pot died in his jungle compound while under house arrest by his own Khmer Rouge followers. He gave a final interview to journalist Nate Thayer shortly before his death.
Are These Words Verified?
Journalist Nate Thayer conducted a direct interview with Pol Pot in October 1997, months before his death, and published these words. This is a firsthand journalistic account, though these were interview statements rather than literal deathbed words.
Sources
- firsthand Nate Thayer's interview with Pol Pot
- newspaper Far Eastern Economic Review, October 1997
- firsthand Thayer's published account
Legacy
The Cambodian genocide under the Khmer Rouge remains one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Pol Pot’s last words?
“I came to carry out the struggle, not to kill people. Even now, and you can look at me: am I a savage person?”
How did Pol Pot die?
Pol Pot died on April 15, 1998 at the age of 72. Cause of death: Heart failure while under house arrest.
Were Pol Pot’s last words documented?
Journalist Nate Thayer conducted a direct interview with Pol Pot in October 1997, months before his death, and published these words. This is a firsthand journalistic account, though these were interview statements rather than literal deathbed words.
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