Documentary S21 "Shocks" Khmer Rouge Leader
Former Khmer Rouge head of state Khieu Samphan acknowledged Tuesday that his regime committed genocide. His surprising admission appeared to be an attempt to begin giving his version of his role in Cambodia's bloody history before his likely prosecution at a U.N.-sponsored tribunal for genocide and crimes against humanity.

Despite skepticism from experts, who compare his supposed surprise to that of some Nazis held at Nuremberg, in his interviews and letter, Mr. Khieu Samphan said he was shocked to learn of Khmer Rouge crimes from the First Run / Icarus Films release S21: THE KHMER ROUGE KILLING MACHINE by Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh.