What is a purge in real life?

A purge in real life refers to a period where there is a systematic elimination or suppression of a particular group or individuals within a society. This can involve mass killings, targeted violence, forced displacement, or other actions aimed at removing or destroying a specific group of people. Purges have been carried out by various governments, military regimes, and extremist groups throughout history for various reasons, including political, ethnic, religious, or social motivations.

One well-known example of a real-life purge is the Cambodian genocide, carried out by the Khmer Rouge regime under the leadership of Pol Pot in the 1970s. During this period, nearly 2 million people were killed in an attempt to create a radical communist society through the elimination of perceived enemies and intellectuals.

Another example is the Stalinist purges in the Soviet Union during the 1930s, where millions of people were arrested, imprisoned, or killed as part of a campaign to eliminate perceived threats to the communist regime.

Purges can have devastating consequences, leading to widespread human rights abuses, loss of life, and lasting trauma for survivors and their communities. They are often considered to be among the most egregious violations of human rights and are condemned by the international community.