This episode was first released in December 2022 and features one of the great storytellers in International Justice, Reed Brody. He’s been dubbed “the Dictator-Hunter”, which is also the title of the documentary about his hunt for evidence against former Chadian dictator Hissène Habré. This fascinating case was also the topic for his influential book To Catch a Dictator: The Pursuit and Trial of Hissène Habré, a book that has featured in some of the other episodes in this year’s Summer Collection as well.                   

In this episode, Reed higlighted the important role of victims in what he calls ‘bottom-up justice’, emphasising the work and strength of victims of human rights crime, some of whom ultimately show up in court to speak directly to their offender.

Reed also explained how it was Nicaragua that got him interested in law during conflicts, while the trial of Chilean dictator Pinochet in London opened a whole new world of how to put dictators in the dock. Stephanie and Janet also asked Reed how he sees the future.      

Reed’s own book is of course our top recommendation, but also check out the 2022 movie Argentina 1985 about the landmark trial involving Argentina’s military dictatorship.