002/19-09-2007-ECCC-OCIJ ЮŲŠ / No: D427 were therefore a key means used by the CPK to achieve “whatever can be done that is a gain for the revolution”. 471 Dates and Participation 162. Prior to 1975, the CPK had implemented a policy of removing people from the towns and cities that came under their control: people were moved totally or partially from urban areas in Steung Treng, Kratie, Banam and Udong in the Northeast, North and East Zones and Sector 505.472 Publications of the Revolutionary Flag reflect that the CPK deliberately moved the population from urban to rural areas.473 163. This policy was implemented, in particular, on or around 17 April 1975 (Phase 1); from the latter part of 1975 until some time in 1977 (Phase 2); and from late 1977 throughout 1978 (Phase 3). 164. With respect to Phase 1, Pol Pot played a key role in the decision to move the entire population out of Phnom Penh.474 The plans to prepare the reception of the residents of Phnom Penh were disseminated before its implementation.475 There was further involvement of members of the Party Centre476 in the development of this plan during meetings in late March or early April 1975.477 These were followed by meetings during which lower level cadre were informed of the decision.478 Some CPK soldiers were informed of the attack on Phnom Penh in advance, generally via their military superiors in accordance with the command structure,479 however others only received the order to remove people from the capital shortly after their arrival.480 The evacuation of the population of Phnom Penh was not a singular phenomenon but constituted part of a wider pattern of population movements from cities after 17 April 1975.481 165. With respect to Phase 2, the plan to send people to the North and North West Zones is evidenced from a visit of the CPK Standing Committee to that area before or around August 1975.482 This visit gave rise to the following report: “the labour force must be increased. Three or four hundred thousand more would not be enough. The current strength of one million persons can only work 50 per cent. It’s imperative to add four or five hundred thousand more”.483 A September 1975 Party document stated that “new people” needed to be relocated out of areas where temporary over-concentrations of them had resulted in food shortages. The document specifies that a permanent solution to this problem had to be effected starting in November 1975 and adjusted to production requirements.484 Witnesses485 and documents486 provide further evidence as to how the CPK Centre was involved in these Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, National Road 4, Choam Chao, Dangkao Phnom Penh Mailing address: P.O. Box 71, Phnom Penh; Tel: +855(0)23 218914 Fax: +855(0) 23 218941. 43