Beliefs which legitimize political violence against the innocent

Abstract

"This article analyses the arguments and beliefs published in a newspaper with links to a terrorist group,in an attempt to legitimize the kidnapping and murder of an innocent victim. Widespread public outcryagainst this act of brutality led the newspaper to create a version of the facts which attempted to reducetheir emotional impact and maintain a positive image of the aggressive group. The methods used included:the attribution of responsibilities to the enemy, depersonalization of the victim, and an asymmetricevaluation of suffering."