A different take

The death penalty is always a divisive subject and I expect it always will be. The news today that India intends to execute those responsible for the gang rape and murder of a female student will doubtless send shock waves throughout the rest of the world. The extent of their crime can never be overstated of course. In Norway, Anders Brevik is reported to be enrolling for modules in political science. The man who single handedly killed 77 people is being afforded the right to study the very subject which first spawned his extremist views. So who has got it right? India or Norway? In both countries, the public reaction to the outrage was vociferous. It could be argued that the 77 lives taken by Brevik far outweigh the one like taken by the four Indian men. That though would be to avoid the point. Whether one or a thousand deaths, another human life has been taken. The execution of the four Indian men will never undo the wrong they committed or restore life to the murdered student. A lifetime jail sentence would deprive them of the liberty and freedom which they took from the female student. It is not exactly "an eye for an eye" but it does the bare minimum. Like Brevik in Norway, they forfeit the right to take their place in society. In many ways, it is hard not to admire the approach of the Norwegians. To take the steps they have with Brevik has required a huge amount of dignity, tolerance and grace. Not easy. Not easy I'm sure for the many families whose lives were ripped apart by the actions of this solitary fanatic. Again though, execution would have brought nobody back. One aspect of British life which does make me proud is that we have not executed anyone since Ruth Ellis in 1955. For all the monstrous deeds which have been committed by various individuals since then, I'm still certain we have made the right decision. I don't know if the Indian judges have been swayed by the strength of public opinion but sincerely hope not. Theirs is a different culture to ours and we must always respect difference. That said, I hope the day comes when they begin to consider the alternatives to dealing with such outrages.