Amnesty with love

I am in perfect agreement with correspondents' views in favour of granting an amnesty to prisoners. Ivan Said, in particular, referred to the fact that innocent persons could actually be serving time. I am in a position to confirm this, since I personally know a person who, in my honest opinion, is serving time in lieu of another. His innocence is currently being fought through the Court of Appeal after he suffered a gross misjudgment in his trial by jury.

Let us all remember that misjudgment is a reality. Man is prone to err and, incidentally, these inmates have been all judged by man. Jesus Christ, the most innocent of all, was also judged by man. However, what was most significant was the fact that throughout his entire Passion he did not utter a word of vengeance but only prayed for their forgiveness. His words gave his love a different meaning and it is with this attitude that we should treat our brothers in prison. It is with this kind of love that the rehabilitation process would be complete.

Although it is difficult to fathom, the victims of crime, with whom I wholly sympathise, would also benefit morally, since this small act of forgiveness would enable them to find peace in their broken hearts. Furthermore, an amnesty to prisoners will also give some fresh oxygen to the families of these inmates, who themselves are truly suffering with their loved ones.

I sincerely hope that the authorities will understand this genuine plea and grant a reasonable amnesty to prove and practise our Christian beliefs.