This comment downplays the seriousness of stealing by framing it solely as “hunger.” While poverty and hunger can drive people to desperate actions, theft still involves taking someone else’s property without consent, which is a crime. Calling it “not theft but hunger” risks normalizing stealing as an acceptable response to hardship, which can encourage more criminal behavior.
A balanced view would acknowledge that the suspect might need help but also recognize that victims suffer losses too. Instead of justifying the act, discussions should focus on addressing poverty through support systems while upholding the principle that stealing is wrong.
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