The Observer · True Crime

Spiral | Tortoise Investigates

When she was 12, the actor Nkechi Simms' mother handed her over to Camden Council and she was placed in foster care. Now she wants to find out what happened to her and why. The only way she can do this is by getting hold of her care records. But that’s easier said than done. And will those records answer her questions? The home of investigative podcasts from Tortoise, from Sweet Bobby to Lucky Boy. Listen to the latest original series from Tortoise, including We call her Emma and The Mandelson files. To binge listen to all episodes today, ad-free, subscribe to The Observer and use the code AUDIO50 for 50% off an annual digital subscription. You'll get access to: This series and all our podcasts before anyone else Ad-free listening A daily edition, curated by our editors 7 days a week Puzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crossword Recipes for every occasion Free tickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or online Or subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for access to this series and ad-free listening to Observer podcasts. Reported by Ashley John-Baptiste and Madeleine Parr Produced and written by Madeleine Parr Sound design by Simon Panayi Artwork by Jon Hill The editor is Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

Asma al-Assad’s transition from a perceived reformer to a silent accomplice during the Syrian revolution reveals the brutal power dynamics within the Assad regime. Despite her public image as a compassionate "mother of the nation," internal accounts from former employees and associates depict a figure who became increa...

Diana of Damascus | We call her Emma Ep2

14 Jul 2026

45m

AI processed

Asma al-Assad’s transition from a London-born, reform-minded First Lady to a central figure in a repressive Syrian regime reveals the complexities of power within an authoritarian state. Initially celebrated as a modernizing icon, she utilized the Syria Trust for Development to promote social empowerment, yet these ini...

The girl from Acton | We call her Emma Ep1

07 Jul 2026

40m

AI processed

Asma al-Assad, once a London-born investment banker known as "Emma," transitioned from an ordinary life in Acton to the center of a brutal Syrian regime. This investigation examines the intersection of image management and political power, highlighting how public relations experts like Phil Elwood curated a "desert ros...