An expos� of the CIA's secret experiments on humans in the 1950s. Through the use of drugs, hypnosis and torture, suspected Soviet agents were subjected to a rigorous brainwashing to induce their confessions. The issue is explored through the story of U.S. scientist Dr. Frank Olson, who was involved in these experiments. Tormented by his conscience, Olson wanted to quit the program � and died shortly thereafter under mysterious circumstances.

Forty years later, Eric Olson had his father's body exhumed to prove that he had been murdered, most likely to prevent Dr. Olson � one of the most important bearers of secrets in the U.S. � from revealing the truth. Working closely with Olson's survivors, authors Egmont R. Koch and Michael Wech shed light on these incredible events. For the first time ever, "Code Name Artichoke" shows exclusive photos and visual documents from Frank Olson's private archives and gives the scientist's former companions and colleagues a forum to air their views. For a transcript of the film, click here. WorldLink TV Spotlight is hosted by Mark Hertsgaard.

Official CIA statement about this case from Sept 20, 1994:

�We regret the tragic death of Frank Olson and sympathize with his family. If the private investigation being conducted at the behest of the Olson family produces new information on the case, it should be brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities. We cooperated with the investigations of this case by the Congress and the Executive Branch in the 1970s, and we certainly will cooperate if the case is re-opened.�

RELATED SITES:

Olson Family Website
The Sunshine Project