But the rockstar-like image of suspected terrorist Dzokhar Tsarnaev on the cover of Rolling Stone outraged many, including Filipinos in New York City.
“You’re encouraging more crime to happen when people, especially the young ones, see this,” said Cecilia Magsino-Skala.
“He (Tsarnaev) has no place being on the cover of a glamour magazine,” added Susan Apat.
For Rolan Ocampo, who crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon minutes before the bombs exploded, seeing the face of Tsarnaev on the cover of Rolling Stone, rubs wounds that are still raw.
“It hurts because the magazine chose to feature this alleged terrorist first. And besides, it’s too soon. The magazine should have featured the victims, their families and the volunteer rescuers — not Tsarnaev,”he said.
Ocampo added that if Tsarnaev was shown on the cover wearing a prison jumpsuit or in handcuffs, it would have come off differently to people.
“Instead, he was made to look like a pretty boy, a rockstar, a celebrity,” he pointed out.
Tsarnaev recently pleaded not guilty to the 30 counts of a federal indictment related to the Boston bombings — which killed three people and injured at least 260 others.
If found guilty, Ocampo believes Tsarnaev doesn’t even deserve the privilege of a quick death sentence.
“I would rather he get a life sentence, without the possibility of parole. He should rot in jail,” said Ocampo.
Big pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens, as well as stores like Stop and Shop and Tadeschi food shops have announced their refusal to sell the August issues of Rolling Stone.
In a statement, Rolling Stone said that while their hearts go out to the victims, they also felt it was important to gain a more complete understanding of how a tragedy like this happens and how a charming kid with a bright future became a monster.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
