[chukcha]

... should be lined up with all other spys.

There is a scale of punishments; otherwise, it looks like you would be executed on April 16th :>).

Since this country does not execute spys now, "lining up" would mean comparing his punishment to others'. The argument here is that he was given an unusually severe sentence.

[kingsurfer]

No, the arguement should be why should others be treated leniently. The argument should be for ALL spys to be treated harshly not for people to get off with a few years behind bars.

I did not sell states secrets. I did not betray my country.