[Prince Monalulu]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01dn7rm
Started at 23:20
Every Saturday night in China, millions gather around their televisions to watch Interviews Before Execution, an extraordinary talk show which interviews prisoners on death row.

In the weeks, days or even minutes before they are executed, presenter Ding Yu goes into prisons and talks to those condemned to die. Combining clips from the TV show, never-before-seen footage of China's death row and interviews with a local judge who openly questions the future of the death penalty in China, This World reveals a part of China that is generally hidden from from view.

[DUNDEEBOY]

I knew this would be slightly disturbing but something I felt I should watch

[mazzy50]

I'm watching - bizarre

[DUNDEEBOY]

This woman seems an absolute cow

[DUNDEEBOY]

This is really not doing the poor international reputation of China any favours

[mazzy50]

This is upsetting - guilty or not.

I certainly don't see Ding as an angel. She makes me think of News International - that NoTW or The Sun hard-nosed attitude.

[mazzy50]

She really isn't very nice, is she? Maybe I'm being harsh.

[DUNDEEBOY]

Originally Posted by mazzy50

She really isn't very nice, is she? Maybe I'm being harsh.

No your not, its not a country I would ever set foot in

[vauxhall1964]

Makes me proud to live in a country that abolished such babarity decades ago.

[vauxhall1964]

Originally Posted by DUNDEEBOY

No your not, its not a country I would ever set foot in

And America? They're in the same ghastly boat when it comes to killing their prisoners.

[DUNDEEBOY]

Originally Posted by vauxhall1964

And America? They're in the same ghastly boat when it comes to killing their prisoners.

I feel pretty strongly about that country in the same way

[DUNDEEBOY]

This is incredible

[GeoBa92]

This programme is just bloody disturbing.

Imagine an Iranian version of this!

[DUNDEEBOY]

This would have had more effect shown earlier in the evening

[mazzy50]

It does show how much has changed in just a few years regarding the degree of openness in China.

I can't imagine this documentary being approved for filming just a few years ago.

[DUNDEEBOY]

Originally Posted by mazzy50

It does show how much has changed in just a few years regarding the degree of openness in China.

I can't imagine this documentary being approved for filming just a few years ago.

That is true this is very open by Chinese standards

[Meilie]

Originally Posted by vauxhall1964

And America? They're in the same ghastly boat when it comes to killing their prisoners.

Not really. In China you can be executed for any of 57 crimes. In America, it's only one. America executes around 50 criminals per year, while in China they kill several thousand.

[AndrewPd]

I haven't watched it yet. (should I even bother?)

I am disturbed that murderers get this interview but the countless other people they execute who haven't killed anyone don't get a voice. If they interviewed non murderers it might start a campaign against the death penalty.

[DUNDEEBOY]

Well as of the 9th March 2012 the show will no longer be made it said, clearly its not gone down well

[mazzy50]

Wow.

Upsetting but interesting. I thought the senior judge spoke well - again I was surprised that she was allowed to voice her personal opinions on the death penalty. Times do seem to be changing over there.

[GeoBa92]

Originally Posted by DUNDEEBOY

Well as of the 9th March 2012 the show will no longer be made it said, clearly its not gone down well

It's probably in response to this documentary being shown.

[mazzy50]

Originally Posted by GeoBa92

It's probably in response to this documentary being shown.

True. Hope that judge doesn't get into trouble.

[Ovalteenie]

Originally Posted by mazzy50

Wow.

Upsetting but interesting. I thought the senior judge spoke well - again I was surprised that she was allowed to voice her personal opinions on the death penalty. Times do seem to be changing over there.

The senior judge looked like Vera Bennett from Prisoner Cell Block H with a kindly face

[Ovalteenie]

Originally Posted by mazzy50

True. Hope that judge doesn't get into trouble.

I was quite surprised by the Chinese judges. They seemed thoughtful people who took their burden of responsibility very seriously and with compassion.

Judge Judy is scarier than they are.

[DUNDEEBOY]

Originally Posted by mazzy50

True. Hope that judge doesn't get into trouble.

She was the most decent senior figure interviewed, she basically said it should end the death penalty but Chinese people are not ready for the end of it