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Programmes WITNESS
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Witness
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| Rageh Omaar - Presenter |
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Witness brings world issues into focus with courageous, human stories and provocative debate.....
Witness presenter, Rageh Omaar says:
“It’s hugely exciting to be part of a channel which promises to revolutionise global news and current affairs. Witness will be what its title implies – a programme of first-hand account. No academics, no commentators unless they are themselves witnesses.”
Witness runs as a half-hour documentary each week-day and as a longer format ‘special’ at the weekend. For airing times click Schedule below.
Digging up the Past
Dir: Isobel Eaton
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| Searching the past |
The Spanish civil war pitted nationalists against socialists. For years after, no-one in Spain spoke about the war’s bloody toll. Today a group of archaeologists are determined to unearth the truth. Prompted by relatives of the thousands who disappeared during the war, they are digging up some of the mass graves, examining the bodies, and forcing Spain to confront its dark past. Hunting My Husband’s Killer
Dir: Ray Tostevin
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| Lesley & husband |
This haunting film follows the story of Lesley Bilinda, the Scottish widow of a Rwandan pastor killed in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Lesley returns to the place of her husband’s death in search of his murderers, only to find the truth elusive and forgiveness difficult. In the studio, Rageh Omaar speaks to Beata Uwazaninka, whose extended family were slaughtered in the genocide. Baked Alaska
Dir: Franny Armstrong
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| On Thin Ice |
There's sharp disagreement among scientists about global warming and the risks it may pose. As debate rages, Alaska is experiencing a heat wave; ice floes are melting; the permafrost is not so permanent; and the consequences are proving disastrous. Should the locals in Alaska exploit their vast underground oil reserves, or should they single-handedly try to redress the world’s imbalance, maintain the pristine wilderness areas, and suffer the economic hardships? Blogging on the Nile
Dir: Huda Abuzaid
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| Protest Online |
An emerging band of Egyptian protestors are using online diaries, or blogs, to criticise and challenge their government. In the uncontrolled world of the internet, almost anything is possible and everything allowed. With claims that the Egyptian government is using torture and corruption to hold on to power, these bloggers are attracting a growing audience. But their protests are bound to lead them into direct conflict with the government. Battle’s Poison Cloud
Dir: Cecile Trijssenaar
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| Casualties of war |
For Vietnamese, the consequences of the American war on their country continue to this day. Babies are still being born with genetic defects, while rates of cancer are unusually high. Some believe this is a legacy of America’s use of chemical weapons such as Agent Orange during the war. This film finds three generations of Vietnamese now suffering genetic defects and meets an American lawyer who explains why the Vietnamese deserve compensation.
| Your comments on previous stories: |
Another Road Home - well done, touching. This film shows that given a chance, humans can relate to each other naturally, based on their real feelings for another human.
Anne, Saudi Arabia
The documentary presenting the struggle of the Kurdish fighters [Guerilla Girls] was a really great job. I watched the entire documentary with great interest. It was like an action movie, with each segment different from the other. But sometimes I feel Al Jazeera is increasingly being hijacked or influenced by some pro-Kurdish people, as this was the second show highlighting the Kurdish cause within one month. But in any case, you are doing a great job. Best of luck.
Muhammad, Czech Republic
I watched your program about the niqaab in the UK [Unveiling The Truth] with great interest. I feel that such programs will give Muslims in European countries a possibility to express themselves in a confident manner. At the same time, it will be a good opportunity for them to change their mind.
Nizar, France
I watched your program on Dewsbury [Unveiling The Truth] and found it rather refreshing and hitting on the central issues namely unemployment, social deprivation and alienation by the media. The one thing however which I thought you missed was to have interviewed Jack Straw himself and asked him what he was doing about creating jobs or improving school conditions so that kids don't end up using drugs or going into criminal activities. Nonetheless on the whole I say 'Bravo!' for the brilliant and professional way you articulated the issues.
Ali, UAE
I wish to congratulate you on your choice of reporting; coming from anyone else I would have rejected the story about the Kurds [Return To Kirkuk], but although it hurts somewhat to view the support of the Kurds for the war, I accept the report because it comes from you and I trust you.
Anonymous, Belgium
I really enjoy watching Witness. I was really interested in your story about the life of the Kurds in Iraq. [Return To Kirkuk]
Kat, Kuwait
I was so happy to see Al Jazeera in English, but I was in shock to see the episode with the guy traveling from UK to Kirkuk [Return To Kirkuk] saying he hates the Arabs and that the Kurdish state comes before all Arab countries. Al Jazeera needs to filter these kinds of programs. If you think this channel is only for foreigners who will believe every thing you say, this is wrong. We in the Arab world are also watching you. So, we need an apology for this episode of Witness.
Maher, Syria
Click here to view the Schedule.
Rageh Omaar's Biography
To contact us with comments or suggestions click on 'Send your feedback' at the top of the page.
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