IV. Are You A Torturer Too?

In October 2002, Daschner [Frankfurt Deputy Police Chief] had threatened to inflict severe pain on Magnus Gaefgen, the kidnapper of 11-year old banker’s son Jakob von Metzler, if Gaefgen did not reveal where he had hidden the child. Gaefgen promptly admitted that the boy was already dead. Gaefgen was later sentenced to life imprisonment for murder.

Justus Leicht

It is always very easy to give general answers. The 'ticking bomb' scenario is not really ours: the bomb is always somewhere far away and our folks are not dying. So we are quick in demanding rights to be observed. Righteousness is more often a curse than a blessing. We want rights respected and others to face the reality of the loss of a loved one. Moral principles must not be shattered.

But let's fathom our sincerity. I pray beg you on my virtual knees to consider this as an exercise to be followed precisely. Go deep down inside your heart and feel the answer. Do not think about it. Do not be afraid. Be honest! After answering you will still be a good person – a good person who knows a little more about him/her self...

It is your spouse, your child, your brother or sister, your friend, that's been kidnapped and by chance you get hold of the villain. You know the victim's buried in an earth coffin – another two hours to breathe.

If you turn over the culprit to the police you will miss your chance – they are bound by law. This is your moment:

Will you see in him your Neighbour – your fellow human being that has to be treated with respect and - if you are Christian – with love? Will you open your heart and show him your most tender sorrow, become vulnerable and readily 'turn the other cheek'?

Will you be prepared to cry an Ocean of Tears?

Will you refrain from beating the shit out of him?

Per