Eugene de Kock paroled

Eugene de Kock is a notorious death squad leader from South Africa’s apartheid years. To many, he’s also a repentant prisoner who has become a scapegoat for others who escaped punishment.

Today’s decision to grant him parole has divided a country still struggling for racial reconciliation.

We’ll hear why South Africans are discussing whether it’s right to show clemency to a man responsible for crimes of multiple murder, kidnapping and torture. Then we’ll hear about other countries which have tried to put a violent or genocidal past behind them.

Should clemency only be shown to those who repentant or to everybody? And how far should the feelings of victims be taken into account? We’ll hear a global conversation involving South Africa, Rwanda, Northern Ireland, and other places.

(Photo: Eugene de Kock. Credit: AFP)