The Khmer Rouge swept to power in 1975, and killed at least 1.7 million people in the next four years. Pol Pot and his followers sought to purge the country of city dwellers, the rich, the religious, the educated, anyone from a different ethnic group. The vision was a return to a nation of noble peasant farmers. Duch is now standing trial, facing charges that include crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture and murder. He is the first former Khmer Rouge leader to stand trial.