Khieu Samphan

ModernPoliticianCambodia1931 — ?

Khmer Rouge head of state, convicted.

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Quick Facts

Born

1931

Country

Cambodia

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)17

Political (20%)32

Influence (20%)46

Legacy (20%)36

Leadership (15%)31

Strategy (15%)35

Total Score35.0

Khieu Samphan — Complete Timeline

1976 AD

Appointed Head of State of Democratic KampucheaPolitical Action◆ Major

Khieu Samphan was appointed President of the State Presidium (head of state) of Democratic Kampuchea. He served as the public face of the Khmer Rouge regime while Pol Pot held real power.

Khmer RougeGovernmentLeadership

Impact: national

1979 AD

Continued Khmer Rouge ResistancePolitical Action◆ Major

After the Vietnamese invasion, Khieu Samphan fled to Thailand and continued to lead the Khmer Rouge's political and military resistance. He remained a key figure in the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea.

ResistanceKhmer RougeCivil War

Impact: regional

2007 AD

Arrested by Cambodian TribunalPolitical Action◆ Major

Khieu Samphan was arrested by the ECCC for crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes. He was the last senior Khmer Rouge leader to be arrested.

ArrestTribunalJustice

Impact: global

2018 AD

Convicted of GenocidePolitical Action

Khieu Samphan was convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes by the ECCC. He received a life sentence for his role in the Khmer Rouge's atrocities.

ConvictionGenocideInternational Justice

Impact: global