-------------- Gilbert Lawrence Eddie, if / when Richard Zimler (author of the Goa-based mystery novel) comes to any Goan function in London, can you ask him if he has any references for data (age, sex, occupations, ethnicity, religion, nationalities, etc and crimes accused), on the 57 individuals condemned to capital punishment over the 213 years of the Inquisition in Goa?
------------ Gabriel de Figueiredo Why dig out only the Portuguese? Perhaps comparative history would be better - how many people were subject to torture in England in the same period, and how many people were tortured in India by the Brits in a similar period for political and religious reasons? -------------- Gilbert Lawrence responds: That is exactly what I tried to do in my 8-part series on Europe and Inquisition. One point made there is the term Inquisition only applies to Catholic countries - Spain, Portugal, France, Italy. Exactly and even worse occurred in Anglican Europe (England, Scotland, Wales); in Lutheran Europe (Germany, all Scandinavian countries); and Calvinist Europe (Switzerland, Netherlands etc.) Only here it is called religious persecution and ethnic cleansing. Another point made by individuals purporting to stand against ethnic labeling; while precisely doing so. This is regarding the 57 individuals condemned to capital punishment over the 213 years. That is a high number ONLY IF we assume, residents of Goa over the 213 years were free from sin. Any society (and subset-group) would have its PROPORTIONATE SHARE of murderers, rapists, adulterers, tax evaders, robbers; spies, traitors, army deserters, double agents, saboteurs, etc.,; those committing major corruption, high crimes and misdemeanors; and those who give aid to the enemy and / or undermine the government. So the 57 may not be victims as many label them; without knowing the facts. They could well be criminals; who individually HAPPENED TO BE 1. Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, English, Dutch, Arab, Indian; AND 2. Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Muslim, Jew, Crypto-Jew; AND 3. laborer, spouse, doctor, lawyer, priest, nun, etc.. Some appear to have the notion (and with tunnel vision EVEN claim) that if one belongs to a group, somehow one is incapable of committing any crimes and misdemeanors. So mis-statements were made. Then many repeat the same mis-statements again and again using references - where someones mis-guided and fact-less opinions now becomes a fact and part of Goa's history. Yet this should not be acceptable in 21st century, just because we are talking about Goa.:=)) Regards, GL