The Editor, Sir:

Human rights activists seek to extirpate the death penalty. They argue that it is a curtailment of human rights and it is not in keeping with protecting the sanctity of life. But what significance does the sanctity of life hold if one person can take the life of another without the harshest of punishment? What message are we trying to send to perpetrators of criminal acts? We jump to their defence and fight against the death penalty. But what about their victims whose blood cries from the ground?

Justifiable penalty

If it can be proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that a person is guilty of murder, then the death penalty is more than justifiable. If a person takes the life of another then he would have forfeited his right to life and is subject to the judgement agreed upon by the courts. If the law is followed to the letter, and someone is found guilty of murder, then there can be no argument that his human rights have been encroached upon. "The law is reason free of passion." Our personal feelings should not dictate how the law is carried out.

I am, etc.,

NICKOY MILLS

nico_clarke2005@yahoo.com

Belfield district

Runaway Bay, St Ann