Ethical dilemma:
a terrorism-related kidnapping
April 2004
A shady group of apparent extremists has struck in the heart of Australia’s capital, Canberra, by kidnapping a group of innocent people.
A very convincing video is released by the kidnappers showing that the hostages are being kept in a highly secure location which has been mined with explosives. The kidnappers make it clear that the explosive device can only be neutralised if the correct password is entered into the electronic timer. A ransom demand has been issued. If the demands are met, then a person (who is not with the hostages) will phone through the details of the password.
The kidnappers demand five things:
- That they be paid 10 million US Dollars
- That Australia release all people detained for immigration offences and grant those people residency
- That a satellite link be established with CNN so that a statement can be broadcast to the world
- That an escape route be provided
- That the kidnappers have access to a priest so that they might offer their confessions prior to death should their demands not be met
Would you agree to any of the demands?
Identity of the hostages
What if the hostages were:
- A group of prisoners?
- A group of nuns?
- A group of soldiers?
- A group of company executives?
- A group of politicians?
- A group of children?
Would the identity of the hostages make any difference to your decision-making?
Confidentiality for the kidnappers?
It is agreed that a priest may attend the building where the hostages are being kept to take the kidnappers' confessions as per one of the requests. The security agencies wish to place a hidden camera and microphone on the priest, however, this would be to break the sacred duty of confidentiality during confession.
Should the priest agree?
Interrogation methods
A lucky breakthrough occurs – one of the terrorists inadvertently reveals the identity of the mastermind behind the kidnapping. Security personnel believe that it is this person who holds the password. The person is arrested but refuses to talk.
- How far would you go to save the hostages?
- If you believed that torture would work, would you use it?
- What if the mastermind was a woman?
Ethical questions:
- What are the issues?
- Who are the stakeholders?
- What should you do?
- What would you do?
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