RAF Release
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The pardoning of a murderer, in particular a murderer who has never expressed sorrow, is frightening. There must be consequences for one's crimes and Brigitte Mohnhaupt and her colleagues cannot be an exception regardless of whether or not they pose a threat to society. This has nothing to do with mercy and everything to do with responsibility. A bewildering decision – something I thought only our politicians were capable of. - Richard Henry, East Cobb County, Georgia, US (lived in Germany from 1979 to 1988)
Upon Brigitte Mohnhaupt's parole, Germany will become a more dangerous place. While I cannot be sure if Mohnhaupt will commit another crime, thousands of terrorists will be emboldened by the decision to release her. Those who will contemplate committing such crimes in the future can rest assured that if they are caught they will be well cared for and eventually released by the German state. - Martin Peterson, Texas, US
Releasing a person who killed nine people after serving such a short time is a disgrace. She is responsible for her choices, justice needs to be done. Mercy is shown by helping people who are oppressed unfairly, which there is plenty of opportunity to do in the world today. Human dignity is shown by the respect of life, and this can be shown by keeping somebody who took nine lives in prison. - Glenn Snider, US
To me that is not an act of justice, but an act of mercy. I am not against mercy, we all need it at times, but I can see how confusing it would be to those who have suffered and still suffer by what she has done. I think acknowledgement of guilt would be a small token to pay for one's freedom. However, this might not be the hour. It might seem forced and that would make a mockery of requesting pardon. I am held back by the fact that, all these years, Brigitte Mohnhaupt never acknowledged her fault and asked for a pardon regardless of whether that would have shortened her time in prison or not. - Elisabeth Heptner, US
Mistake. This will only embolden terrorists worldwide through false charity. Logic has no conscience. What courts believe is humane and kind in this matter is exactly what underpins terrorist support -- they won. No remorse from the Red Army Faction about their actions that killed over 50 people. In for a penny, in for a dime. A group like this is one reason I joined the US Military. I was born in Frankfurt am Main back in 1957 and joined the US Air Force in 1980, right in the middle of RAF terrorism. I felt compelled to some kind of service to help further freedom and democracy versus becoming a cop and helping to create even more of a police state. Yet releasing such monsters back into society is neither charitable or logical. - James Woods
The German government has to show that it is capable of showing mercy to mass murderers? These are people who have lost the right to be part of humanity. What makes you think that after 25 years they have developed respect for human life? Show your compassion to the victims and their relatives. Anything else is stupid. Those in government who think that this is mercy have a perverted sense of justice. Think of the victims, you fools. - W. Rode
