In article , Pyromancer
writes
People who say we shouldn't in any way punish wrongdoers are, IMHO, a
major part of the problem. Convicted criminal should have all their
human rights suspended for the duration of their sentences. Rights come
with responsibilities, and those who abdicate their responsibilities
should also lose their rights.

That's nonsense. By that logic, an old lady convicted of taking a tin of
beans without paying should be tortured in prison.

The concept of human rights does *not* preclude punishment. However:
- Some rights (right to life, right not to be tortured) are absolute,
and should apply to everyone regardless of status.
- The fact that someone is being punished does not mean that your other
actions should not be proportionate. Someone in prison is being
confined as a punishment and/or for the public safety, not to act as
a punchbag (physically or mentally) for psychopaths (whether in
uniform or not).

I am *not* saying that we should not punish wrongdoers. But we should
apply the appropriate punishment, and only the appropriate punishment,
in a consistent manner.

--
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