Fair estimates say that about 1.6 million people were killed during the short but incredibly brutal reign of Cambodian communist Pol Pot, between 1975 and 1978. Out of a beginning population of 8 million, this means that about 20% of all Cambodians died from political violence, mass executions and starvation (mostly forced) during Pol Pot's rule. | Fair estimates say that about 1.6 million people were killed during the short but incredibly brutal reign of Cambodian communist Pol Pot, between 1975 and 1978. Out of a beginning population of 8 million, this means that about 20% of all Cambodians died from political violence, mass executions and starvation (mostly forced) during Pol Pot's rule. |