A Moment of Reflection

Roger Srivasan 

Those languishing in prison for the Easter carnage appeared resigned to the fact that the innocent lives so callously tossed aside and strewn across the nation were deemed inconsequential. Given such contempt for the most fundamental of human rights—the right to life—it is scarcely surprising that many now question why those accused of such flagitious crimes should expect special solicitude or preferential treatment under the banner of human rights.
Compassion for the perpetrators of such heinous acts remains, for many, a once-thriving fountain that has long since run dry. The memory of shattered families, orphaned children, and lives extinguished without warning continues to weigh heavily upon the national conscience. While justice must proceed according to law and evidence, public sympathy is not so readily summoned. It is difficult to mourn the plight of those alleged to have shown so little regard for the humanity of others.
The rights of the accused must be protected because civilisation demands it. Yet the rights of the innocent dead demand remembrance too, lest the victims be eclipsed by concern for those alleged to have brought about their suffering.