Sean Penn recites TV documentary based on 'child abuse scandal'

Washington, Mar 26 (ANI): Hollywood actor Sean Penn has narrated a TV documentary based on a child abuse scandal involving multifarious parents, who were jailed on bogus child-abuse charges in Bakersfield, California, in the Eighties.

The Oscar-winner has revealed that he feels very strongly about the documentary called 'Witch Hunt', and wants to acquaint public with the brutal face of the people in public office, who wrongly convicted innocent high-profile parents and wrecked countless families.

"Lives were shattered for the personal and political gain of the District Attorney's office and the Sheriff's Department in Kern County. Many of those corrupt officials continue to hold those positions today," Contactmusic quoted him as telling TV Guide magazine.

"There's a very current issue here," he Sean added.

The 'Milk' actor wants the documentary, to be aired in America on April 12, to urge people to question the evidence in high-profile cases, and stand up to those in public office who try to benefit from public hysteria.

"There are all too many examples of the way in which public opinion is swayed by tainted evidence and emotional and irrational decision making," he said.

"The public hysteria that surrounded this case is every bit as essential to discuss as the public corruption. These lightning-rod crimes tend to challenge our lawful assumption of innocence until proof of guilt," he added.

Sean also revealed that he had met many victims of injustice, and found them to be full of "unique gentleness and dignity". (ANI)