Judging a civilization

I read in some classical book somewhere, "A civilization is judged by observing how their prisoners are being treated." I can't remember the book, but it's some Greek philosopher who said it in that book, referring to the early democracy in Athens.

It was quoted again by John Cusack, playing Vincent Larkin in the movie, ConAir, which I just watched from the cable 15 minutes ago.

And I can't help but think of the story I heard from some friends who went to the Marikina relief centers. When the floods came , swamping 90% of Marikina, including the Marikina City Jail, 30 prisoners died of drowning. Apparently, the location of the jail is in the basement, and no one bothered to release them, despite their cries for help.

One friend of mine said it was just urban legend of this flood, like the crocodiles being identified roaming the flood waters. At least the crocodiles attracted the attention of the media. This particular event did not. Another friend bolted out that there was a news blackout on this story, upon the request of the local government.

Whatever the truth of this "hearsay," I guess we will never know. Besides, those people are prisoners, guilty of some crime and they do not deserve to be released and be free. Who knows, they might even steal the relief goods intended for the victims.

Really? Is that how we think? Were those people tried beyond reasonable doubt for the crimes they committed? Were there no innocently accused among them? Were all of them guilty? Was the flood water their death sentence?

There are no answers to these questions except for one. And that is, a civilization is really defined by observing how they treat their prisoners. End of story.