Crossword Genius

Set free in space with zero repressive force (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gestapo

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'repressive force' is the definition.
'gestapo' can be an answer for 'force' (Gestapo is an example). I am not sure about the 'repressive' bit.

'set free in space with zero' is the wordplay.
'free' indicates an anagram.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'space' becomes 'gap' (gap is a kind of space**).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'zero' becomes 'o'.
'set' anagrammed gives 'est'.
'est' put inside 'gap' is 'gestap'.
'gestap'+'o'='GESTAPO'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gestapo that I've seen before include "Nazi German police" , "Postage to Nazi secret police" , "Geheime Staatspolizei" , "Nazi Germany's secret state police" , "Police detested" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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