Strongly protest as tormenter goes free (11)

I believe the answer is:

remonstrate

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'strongly protest' is the definition.
'remonstrate' can be an answer for 'protest' (to remonstrate is to protest or object). I'm not sure about the 'strongly' bit.

'as tormenter goes free' is the wordplay.
'as tormenter' anagrams to 'REMONSTRATE'.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for remonstrate that I've seen before include "Make a forcefully reproachful protest" , "Make a forceful protest" , "Argue fiercely" , "Take exception to" , "Take issue with" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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