Judges know little about criminals
Compassion for sick prisoners is a matter best left to politicans
Abdul Baset Ali al-Megrahi may be released, on the eve of Ramadan, to spend his last days at home with his family. It is hardly surprising, given his conviction for the carefully planned murder of 270 innocent people, that this prospect arouses the strongest feelings. Should we accord him the compassion he denied his victims or are our notions of mercy and forgiveness mere hypocrisy?
Whatever the judgment about this clash of principles and emotions, the issue is who should decide. If a minister, can it be right for him to meet al-Megrahi privately when considering his decision? Is it not a matter for judges, detached from the politics of relations with Libya, once seen as a sponsor of terror but now treated as a prodigal son bearing gifts in the shape of oil?
Release on the ground of ill-health has a chequered history. General Augusto Pinochet was saved from facing multiple murder charges when Jack Straw announced that his health prevented extradition to Spain. He perked up surprisingly well on his return to Chile. Ernest Saunders persuaded judges that he had Alzheimer’s, then made a recovery that would have astonished the authorities at Lourdes. Ronnie Biggs, released last week to die, is likely to exchange his hospital bed for a nursing home. The risk of unexpected recovery being seen to mock the victims is real, whether judges or ministers decide. Which, if either, has the necessary wisdom?
As I recall, Ernest Saunders lawyers claimed that he was suffering from suspected Alzheimer's. I thought at the time, you don't suffer from suspected anything you either have it or you don't. The trial judge should have established this. Therefore, there was no recovery in his case at all. It was just an excuse to sweep it all under the carpet.
A mixture of law, politics, autobiography and humour. Once described as "The Devilish Advocate" (Guardian), I do have the ability to provoke a response. Sometimes it comes from someone who uses a thought process, and sometimes from jerks usually associated with the knee.
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2 comments:
Ernst Saunders wa my boss at the time!!
A more corrupt individual fronting a more corrupt company would be hard to find.
The only person ever to recover from OldTimer's disease - says it all.
The Lybian should be freed because he is innocent.
Simple as that.
I am with Jim Swire on this one.
Tsk!
Such cynicism!!
Saunders was undoubtedly suffering from Alzheimers but was cured by the miraculous waters of Ford (as in open prison).
Hallelujah!!!
Rejoice!!!!
Itzamiracle!!!!!
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