@ the fool: i agree. would it change things if they were to earn their stay in jails? or better yet, if they were to generate a revenue that could be spent on the masses, to shelter and protect them? that way, while they wait out the lengthy trials, they are kept alive and at no expense to society? I just think that the death sentence is medieval, we can do more with them. Growing up in Malaysia, when I was a teenager, we had a mandatory tour of the city jail along with some talks from some of their prisoners. The tour wasn't fancy, it could be described as morbid or as I would say, it slapped reality in my face. I had one main take away, prison was not worth any crime for me. I can say that that was true for a most of the class that went with me, happy to also say, none of us have landed ourselves into prison just yet. I can't help but wish that that kind of exposure is made available to us, here in India. These talks, that I spoke about, may not relieve someone of their impoverished-ness, but it should impact, that one priviledged kid from being above the law. That one fella who thinks it's ok to rape to re thinking it.. that one dowry crazed pig from killing their daughter in law.. you know?
@jayan menon: every drug you take, has been tested on animals at first stage, and before approval has been tested on humans. right from cosmetics, to food, to infant formula, to crocin, to eno.... - unless it says it wasn't tested. At no point did I say we'd rob them of their humanity. India is a growing market for these kinds of test groups. At this very point in time, there are thousands in our country taking experimental medicine for money. Voluntarily. And that is ok by Amnesty, as long as people understand what they're getting themselves into. Let's give this option to these guys... those of them that are still human, will, I'm sure want to absolve themselves of their guilt. Let's give them an opportunity to do so..
@stagg: I know it sounds cruel. Everyone who has an opinion has an agenda, and mine is to free animals used for testing. They are innocent, but we still need medicine... And I haven't seen any of the movies you mentioned! They stole my idea!
PS. These are my opinions, and it's nice to have them getting picked on for a change. So thanks Jayan for the forum that's led to an interesting debate, and everyone else for opinions.