Radio Times

Review by:

Jack Seale

John Sweeney starts his investigation into whether torture works, or can ever be justified, in the Tower of London. There, he finds that the brutal “Scavenger’s Daughter” is not too far removed from devices still employed today across the world, by those (using the excuse of) fighting terrorism or just by people for whom power doesn’t come with accountability.

So how did we reach a situation where torture is regularly practised, if not often confessed to, by what are meant to be progressive democracies? How does it feel to have been on the receiving end? And can those who would defend the use of torture make any sort of case?

About this programme

John Sweeney examines the current extent, variety and motivation of torture, which still takes place worldwide, often in the face of official denial. He explores whether it could ever be justified and visits Belarus to investigate reports of torture, meeting alleged victims from the Amerikanka prison.

Cast and crew

Cast

Presenter

John Sweeney

Crew

Producer

David Coomes

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