What does human rights mean to you? There are many things that fall under the category of human rights, one of them is the basic right of life that was given to us by our parents. Unfortunately I read a press release today about capital punishment. The press release was from Amnesty International. Let's just say that I was far from impressed and a little outraged OK actually it was more like enraged by learning that the ancient practice of stoning was still alive and well. When some one is stoned to death I'm not talking about overdosing here they do not use what I commonly refer to as stones; no, the stones they use are specifically large enough to inflict as much pain as possible with out immediately killing the individual. This form of death by torture is legal in Iran.
I cannot believe what I am reading in the press release. I know that the facts are real and the people that have been sentenced to die this way are real; but shouldn't this practice have been outlawed many years ago? In Biblical times stoning was an acceptable practice for punishing criminals, you can read about torturing and killing criminals in the Bible some of the crimes these committed are enough to grant them sainthood in today's society e.g. John the baptist being beheaded for spreading the word of the coming Saviour. Is it not time for us all to outgrow the mistakes of the past and finally learn from them? Are there really so few people that think life is not something that should be cherished regardless of one's transgressions? Don't get me wrong, people who break the law should be subject to fitting punishment; but death?
The part that really made my blood boil was the part about some of the people who are signing these confessions that allow for sentences of death by stoning cannot even read. For all we know they could be told that they are signing a confession that carries a sentence of two or three months imprisonment but is actually a death sentence. I cannot understand why anyone could do that to some one who's crime is something that makes porn stars rich. I can understand that the whole middle east region is not only torn by warlords but is also extremely religious, but who made you God?
I am aware that people have different views on capital punishment, the country to the south of my local practices capital punishment. My opinion is that people should not be put to death for their crimes. I am also aware that in some cases those that are sentenced to death are mostly deserving; but is it really our place to play the role of God and decide if their life should be ended? I was brought up Christian and whole heartedly believe that it is not our place to judge. If I may quote the Bible here, Jesus said "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." Are we so uncivilized that we can actually let people be put to death intentionally?
I am sure that everybody has an opinion on capital punishment; I just shared my opinion with you. If you need more information please visit Amnesty International for the latest news. Please leave a comment with your opinion, I really want to hear what your opinions are on this outrage.
