Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Crossing Continents

Documentaries

Factual: Life Stories

Factual: Travel

Series focusing on foreign affairs issues

BBC Radio 4 LW

Crossing Continents: Digging Up the Past in Catalonia

Factual

Digging Up the Past in Catalonia

29/03/2018

BBC Radio 4 - Crossing Continents, Digging Up the Past in Catalonia

Why is troubled Catalonia now opening up civil war mass graves?

Forgetting Spain's painful past is what allowed democracy and peace to flourish, the argument has long gone - so why is troubled Catalonia now opening up civil war mass graves?

Why is troubled Catalonia now opening up civil war mass graves? 

Spain has the second largest amount of mass graves in the world after Cambodia. Over 100,000 people disappeared during the 1930s civil war and the ensuing Franco dictatorship. Decades later, the vast majority are still unaccounted for. 

Forgetting Spain's painful past and the disappeared is what allowed democracy and peace to flourish, the argument has long gone. 

But many have not forgotten - including in the region of Catalonia, where bitter memories of Franco's rule are just beneath the surface. Before Madrid imposed direct rule last October, the pro-independence Catalan government began an unprecedented plan to excavate civil war mass graves and collect DNA from families looking for their lost relatives. 

Estelle Doyle travels to the politically troubled region and finds out how, despite direct rule, those seeking answers are more determined than ever to recover the past and to confront Spain's painful history. Others worry that their actions will only but reopen old wounds and further divide the country. 

Presenter: Estelle Doyle 
Producer: John Murphy.

**This podcast has been changed: Correction: El Soleras is in the West of Catalonia, while Catalonia itself is in the North East of Spain**

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Crossing Continents

Digging Up the Past in Catalonia

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4