Pol Pot (Saloth Sar)
Believed born 1928, Kompong Thom. Brother No.1, presided over destruction of Cambodian
society. Condemned to death, with Ieng Sary, by Vietnamese-backed tribunal following
KR fall in 1979. Formerly married to the sister of Sary's wife. Announced to have
"retired", along with Nuon Chea and Ta Mok, in mid-80s. All three believed
to have in fact remained in control. Nothing heard from him during recent KR split;
Sary claims Pol Pot is still alive, rejecting June reports of his death.
Nuon Chea (Long Bunruot)
Born 1927, Battambang. Brother No.2 and right-hand man to Pol Pot. President of
Democratic Kampuchea assembly, and briefly Prime Minister. In charge of KR's political
wing for decades. Secretive; last known public speech was during Pol Pot regime.
Ta Mok (Ek Choeun)
Born Takeo. Possibly Brother No.3, dubbed the "Butcher of Cambodia".
General Chief of Staff of National Army of Democratic Kampuchea. Believed to have
commanded purges and massacres during Pol Pot regime. Believed in overall charge
of military wing of KR.
Son Sen
Born 1930, southern Vietnam. Khmer Krom. Commanded final KR assault on Phnom Penh
1975. Vice-PM and Defence Minister of Democratic Kampuchea. Allegedly responsible
for Toul Sleng torture center. KR representative on Supreme National Council (SNC)
under UN transitional authority, before KR withdrew from peace process. Believed
temporarily relieved of duties 1992 but reportedly reinstated after 'confessing'
his mistakes. Believed long-standing rivalry with Ta Mok, but reported by Sary to
be cooperating with KR hardliners during current crisis.
Ieng Sary (Kim Trang)
Born 1929, southern Vietnam. Khmer Krom. Special counsellor to Khieu Samphan before
rise of Pol Pot regime. Vice-Prime Minister and Foreign Minister under Pol Pot. Responsible
for liaison with Chinese over military assistance and economic aid during anti-Vietnam
resistance after fall of Pol Pot regime. Long-standing differences with other KR
leaders. Heading breakaway KR, accused by KR radio of embezzling party funds.
Khieu Samphan
Born 1931 in Svay Rieng. Former MP under Sihanouk government, later fled to join
resistence. Chief of State of Democratic Kampuchea regime. Responsible for liaison
with Sihanouk, under house arrest, during regime. Officially replaced Pol Pot as
Prime Minister of Democratic Kampuchea in exile late 1979; nominal leader of KR only.
KR diplomat/negotiator during peace process. KR representative on SNC.
Y Chhean
Believed chief of Phnom Penh security unit during Pol Pot regime, assigned to
Sary. A Sary protege. Commander of KR Division 415 in Pailin; effectively governor
of Pailin, in charge of political and economic matters. Involved with logging/gem
trade with Thais. One of leaders of current KR breakaway.
Sok Pheap
Commander of KR Division 450 under Ieng Sary, Phnom Malai. KR breakaway leader.
Has said the KR rebels are independent, but want to start political party.
