Campaign groups representing survivors of the Bhopal disaster expressed outrage today at the “insulting” sentences given to seven men for their roles in the tragedy.
The accused, several of them now in their 70s, were convicted of criminal negligence and sentenced to two years in prison but bailed pending an appeal.
Upwards of 25,000 people died as a result of the Bhopal explosion in which poisonous gas escaped.
In The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll, Bob Dylan tells the true story of white socialite William Zantzinger who beat a black maid to death in 1963 and received a 6 month sentence.
In the courtroom of honor, the judge pounded his gavel
To show that all’s equal and that the courts are on the level
And that the strings in the books ain’t pulled and persuaded
And that even the nobles get properly handled
Once that the cops have chased after and caught ’em
And that ladder of law has no top and no bottom
Stared at the person who killed for no reason
Who just happened to be feelin’ that way witout warnin’
And he spoke through his cloak, most deep and distinguished
And handed out strongly, for penalty and repentance
William Zanzinger with a six-month sentence
Oh, but you who philosophize disgrace and criticize all fearsv
Bury the rag deep in your face
For now’s the time for your tears.