Grasping at 1.5 million

From 1975 to 1979, the Khmer Rouge murdered an estimated 1.5 million people, out of a total population of around 7 million.

It's an absolutely astonishing figure that really can't be grasped. 20% of a country killed in four years. Just try to imagine 60 million Americans dying during one president's term; how would we go on?

Worse, between 1970 and 1980 Cambodia lost a total of around 4 million people to war and man-made famine.

Looking at the 114 photos of victims from one of Pol Pot's prison you get a glimmer of the toll.

But it really can't be comprehended.

Photo of unidentified prisoner via Cambodia Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.