The Lockerbie Bomber

by Rabbi Yaakov Salomon

Prison compassion – justice or folly?

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Published: May 28, 2012

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Visitor Comments: 17

(14) Anonymous, June 4, 2012 7:40 PM

Truth be told, this Lockerbie bomber should have been sentenced to death at the time of his trial. Then the issue of having compassion for him while he was imprisoned would have never arisen.

(13) Sanford J. Goodman, June 4, 2012 2:36 AM

Mercy for a murder and synonymous with injustice

There are 19 crimes where the Torah requires execution at the hand of the courts but the death penalty is not limited to those offenses because the Torah gives us the option and mitzvah of extending capital punishment to additional crimes over and beyond what is required. For crimes that are between man and God we cannot implement the death penalty unless we have 3 conditions—giloy panim, Beis Ha Mikdosh standing and functioning, and the Sanhedrin ruling on religious matters. BUT when it comes to crimes between man and man the death penalty applies at all times and in all societies whether these three conditions are present or not. In addition, all societies have the legal right to extend capital punishment to additional crimes between man and man, and on a temporary basis can relax rules of evidence and trial procedures if social order is breaking down. The reasons for all of these exceptions are to compensate victims and punish criminals, protect public safety, and to remove evil from among us. In addition, the prohibition of murder the requirements of implementing criminal justice are incumbent in ALL societies because they are part of the 7 Noachide laws given in the Torah. By rights, the Lockerbie Bomber should have been executed in Scotland. However, if capital punishment did not exist then he should have locked up for life. To let a murder go, even if he is terminally ill, adds insult to injury to the victims and their survivors. While it’s true that the Bomber died anyway, the British criminal justice system did a grave injustice to the victims and their survivors. Sanford J. (Sandy) & Chana Goodman Dallas Texas

(12) Anonymous, June 3, 2012 1:43 AM

my friend

all I know is my best friend died by being blown out of the sky at 31,000 feet, while the terrorist not only dies in the LOVING arms of his family, but really* 8 * years? there is no justice, I MISS MY FRIEND!!

(11) Moshe Samuel, June 1, 2012 10:36 PM

Some prisoners do deserve compassion

While you are undoubtedly correct that the Lockerbie bomber didn't deserve compassion, what about Jonathon Pollard?

(10) Anonymous, May 31, 2012 5:00 PM

Compassion has nothing to do with it!

Who knows for sure what the reasoning was behind the release of the mass murderer. I do, however, think that compassion had nothing to do with it: I think it had more to do with the cost of treatment of the cancer the person contracted,and the chance of bad publicity in the arab world by some propaganda minded people who might charge that the Scottish government did not provide the "proper" care, and thus the murderer's punishment would not have been humane. So I think fear and money was the motivating factor instead of compassion, but compassion was easier to admit to.

(9) David, May 31, 2012 6:40 AM

yes, We both see it the same way.

I am still perplexed why the Scottish government's justice system took so long. What about all those years that he was living free before being indicted? That makes no sense either!

(8) Anonymous, May 31, 2012 4:24 AM

Concept of prison has Talmudic sources

I believe that there is a concept of prison in the Talmud in cases where there is enough cicumstantial evidence that someone committed murder but not enough criteria met to give capital punishment. It is referred to as "machnisin oso l'kipa". If I get a chance, I'll try and find the exact source. You're always a pleasure to listen to. I look forward to it. You're absolutely right about this issue. All the best.

(7) Simcha, May 31, 2012 2:19 AM

In response!!!

Rabbi Salomon is absolutely RIGHT!!! The terrorist (his name should be blotted out from the face of the Earth) should have immediatey been given the death penalty. There should be absolutely NO compassion for terrorists and NO compassion for criminals.

Rachel, May 31, 2012 1:38 PM

There's no death penalty in UK nor EU

The UK (of which Scotland is a part) has not had the death penalty in about 40 years. The EU will not admit potential Member-States that continue the death penalty. Given some of the problems that existed with the death penalty in the past, as well as the British government's mishandling of some highly-charged terrorism cases (including the completely wrongful convictions of some individuals in Northern Ireland who were later proven to have been completely innocent of any involvement with the crimes), it is understandable why these countries have decided, through their democratic processes, to not impose the death penalty. I say this as someone who lost 2 friends in the Lockerbie bombing -- and the execution of those responsible would not have brought me any relief from the horror of their loss.

Tomas, May 31, 2012 11:46 PM

I disagree with the EU (and agree with Rabbi Solomon)!

Rabbi Solomon has raised a serious topic and I will write a longer comment later on because at this moment I am too exhausted. Nevertheless, let me say right now that I consider the EU policy on this point to be sheer blackmail. They Brussels bureaucrauts know all too well that smaller European countries cannot simply afford to be outside the EU, as not having access to EU markets would be economically disastrous for them. Consequently, the "politically correct" approach is forced on countries on an issue which every country should have the right to decide by herself! Can it be called a democracy when the death penalty cannot be reintroduced in a country where roughly 80% of the country's population would be in favour of it?

(6) Leah, May 30, 2012 5:05 PM

Hashem is in control of everything

I have to admit that I agree with you, but I've been learning some things in Torah study that made me stop and remember that I've been being taught that Hashem is in control of everything and everything is for the good even when we can't see it. Is it possible that we can't see the big picture here. I really struggled with letting him go too.

(5) No justice there, May 30, 2012 3:41 PM

You are so right, rabbi

...and why did it take 13 years to convict him? It was a disgusting show of weakness on the part of the west. Thank G_d, this monster's dead as well as Gaddafi.

(4) Rachel, May 30, 2012 3:35 PM

Compassionate release in rare cases, NOT this one

The bomber should certainly NOT have been released (I believe he was free for a good 10 years before he even was turned over by Libya for trial.) And he never showed the slightest signs of remorse. There are times when someone who has committed heinous crimes might deserve to be released at end of life IF they have truly reformed in prison, expressed regret, are no danger to society, etc. But that should be very limited. I would note that no ancient society used imprisonment as a punishment -- it was used only to hold those who were awaiting trial or punishment. This was largely a matter of resources -- when everyone who was able was expected to work, it would have been outlandish to tell someone convicted of a crime that they would now be permitted to not work for some period, while others would be obligated to provide them with food and shelter! Even in the Middle Ages in Europe, some who were not deserving of the death penalty were nonetheless exiled.

(3) Adina, May 29, 2012 3:56 PM

Not only that...

You are absolutely right. Not only that though, but what really got me when they released him on "compassionate grounds" was that he was getting the undeserved privilege of dying with dignity and his family nearby- something his his victims did not get the chance at.

(2) Alan S., May 28, 2012 12:36 PM

The only thing I've learned about his release in 2009 is that there is no justice or law in Scotland.

(1) Rosen, May 28, 2012 10:58 AM

when someone is guilty and convicted

When someone is guilty and convicted of something like murder, one can generally see the writing on the wall for that. In other words, such criminals like Islamic extremists and fundamentalists can't be regulated or reasoned with, much like how the criminals on Wall Street and others who are essentially guilty of white collar crime can't be regulated...Also, for some reason, there are some people out there who doubt or deny that radical Islam even exists.

Alan S., May 30, 2012 12:13 AM

Sorry. I don't believe you can equate Islamic extremists and Wall Street white collar criminals as both being unable to "regulated" or "reasoned with". It detracts from the strength of your initial point.

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About the Author

Rabbi Yaakov Salomon

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Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, C.S.W. is a noted psychotherapist, in private practice in Brooklyn, N.Y. for over 25 years. He is a Senior Lecturer and the Creative Director of Aish Hatorah's Discovery Productions. He is also an editor and author for the Artscroll Publishing Series and a member of the Kollel of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath.

Rabbi Salomon is co-author, with Rabbi Noah Weinberg, of the best selling book "What the Angel Taught You; Seven Keys to Life Fulfillment," (Mesorah), and is also the co-producer of the highly-acclaimed film, "Inspired."

Click here to order Yaakov Salomon's new book, Salomon Says: 50 Stirring and Stimulating Stories.

In these marvelous stories -- brimming with wit, understanding, a touch of irony and a large helping of authentic Torah perspective -- we will walk with a renowned and experienced psychotherapist and popular author through the pathways of contemporary life: its crowded sidewalks, its pedestrian malls, and the occasional dead end street. This is a walk through our lives that will be fun, entertaining -- and eye-opening. In our full -- sometimes overfull -- and complex lives, Yaakov Salomon is a welcome and much-needed voice of sanity and reason.

His speaking, writing and musical talents have delighted audiences from Harvard to Broadway and everything in between. Rabbi Salomon shares his life with his wife, Temmy, and their unpredictable family.

The Lockerbie Bomber

Prison compassion – justice or folly?

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