Sri Lanka has chosen to allow several former Tamil Tiger rebels represent their country in the Olympic Games.
The Tamil Tigers were rebels who tried to take over the small country of Sri Lanka, resulting in a civil war that lasted from 1972 to 2009.
The Sri Lankan government has claimed all of the Tamil Tiger rebels have been through reform camps. Some are skeptical of the camps, considering that the Red Cross and other rights groups were not allowed access to them. However, the Sri Lankan government insists that they are being a good example for other countries in allowing their former enemies a chance to make their country proud.
Interestingly, a category that one of the rebels qualified in is shooting. It is undeniable where this team member had his practice. It brings into question the legitimacy of the reform that the rebels underwent, but at least they are no longer shooting at people, just paper targets.
Or perhaps, it shows the power of redemption?
What do you think? Is the government right to give the rebels a second chance? What do you think it takes to truly be redeemed?