While there are many things to consider regarding Cantat's sentencing (is he remorseful? was he under the influence of drugs/alcohol?) and I can see arguments on both sides, the argument that he was a social activist who did good does not cancel out the fact that he (even if accidentally) took a human life.

People should not receive special treatment under any court of law because they have a lot of money, because they are famous, because they are good athletes/entertainers, or even because they have done noteworthy social activism (though unfortunately it does happen, as the O.J. Simpson case here proved). The notion that Cantat "shouldn't be treated like an ordinary criminal" because of any of these factors is an appalling and archaic form of elitism that unfairly places the wealthy and notable above the comman man/woman in terms of human and legal rights.

Rachel Summers, Dayton, Ohio

Noir Desir was my favorite band at the time of the murder. Bertrand Cantat was someone I looked up to as a person of conscience and a messenger for peace. The damage done by his inexcusable, egomaniacal crime goes far beyond the taking of a human life. He destroyed not only the lives of Marie's children, but the careers of his mates, the trust of thousands of fans around the world, and provided ammunition to right wing critics who are having a field day with the case of a hypocritical spoiled left wing rock star who bludgeons a woman to death in a macho jealous rage, then is released after only four years by a judicial system viewed as too "liberal" when in fact it is just sexism of the rawest kind. If he was truly regretful he would have taken his own life. The idea of making good by "compensating" the victim's family is repulsive and nauseating. This is a tragedy that continues to increase with time.

James, New York, New York/USA

Dear Americans,
look at your own country's widespread violence and then point your finger at others. Your superficial and slogan-like views always are quick to judge and poor in analysis of all facts that must be taken into account..
Cantat is one of the greatest and most socially engaged singers of the last decades and you don't just treat a person like that like your ordinary criminal. What he did was absolutely dreadful , but it is taken out of the context! Debate the use of alcohol or probably drugs as it has been suggested (again, not sth to be proud of), but don't turn him into a scapegoat in your fight against domestic violence for something that he did once in his life. Go criticize your neighbours who smile at you on Thanksgiving and go home to beat their wives on a daily basis, not a person who's gonna regret what he did for the rest of his life

Konstantina, Seattle ,

You all must be insane to think that he is perfectly peachy being released into mainstream society after a slap on the wrist such as that. It's absolutely ridiculous that he should be allowed out at all and just like the states everyone has their downfall when it comes to appropriate punshiments to our celebrities. Politically active or not... the fella killed a gal and that is the brass tacks of it. No hmmm'ing or haw'ing around it, punishment should be served as if he were the common joe and restitution should be provided to those affected accordingly. What a shame that it's become a universally accepted practice worldwide now... Truly a Shame.

Anastasia, Pennsylvania, United States

I think that there is never an excuse to hit someone...ever. Whatever the circumstances were, he killed a mother of 4 children over a text message. This is insanity! Accident or not...he killed someone. he is a murderer. period. he should live with guilt the rest of his days. can't believe he got out of prison in just 4 years after taking someone's life...boggles the mind! when are we going to learn that violence is NOT ok????? If you get 8 years & serve only 4, what is the lesson there? what is the justice system saying? yes, you murdered this person, but the crime wasn't bad enough so we gave you 8 years & because you were so good in prison, we let you out in 4...rediculous....he killed somebody! he will have the chance to live his life. she will not. her children are motherless. who has the right to take that?

you talk about "out of control" that is the problem in this world...we could all learn to use a bit of self control. I have no sympathy.

Alisa, Jackson, NJ

Jerry you make the US proud....
So far away from phoenix..... and not so sad about it!
Bertrand Cantat deserves probably more than other men to walk away, knowing he ll never live without guilt....
It was all of a regrettable accident. Tragic.

Vince, london,

I agree with Eddy...and Mat...with all the respect...that You've never heard of Bertrand or Noir Desir makes You just that person who is not so much into French policy...Bertrand was (is) not just a singer in a band..he is a guy who has his opinion about French political system and was fighting for that opinion with all his honesty...that's something, most people would never do...maybe You should just try to get more infos and also translate the lyrics of their songs.

Jitka, Selfoss, Iceland

I don't agree Tina.The role of justice is to punish of course,but also to reinstate criminals in society.I am pretty certain he feels quite guilty about what happened.But in the end,serving the rest of his life in jail won't bring her back.His guilt is more than enough a punishment and it's here to stay.

Eddy, Manchester,

If it wasn't so sick it would be laughable.

Jerry Scroggin, Phoenix, Arizona/USA

Its funny that this story makes it onto the Times webpage, where it is most likely to be read by people who have never heard of either Bertrand Cantat or Noir Desir.

Mat, Brighton, England

Dreadful. This man should remain in prison for the full term, she is, after all, dead forever. I don't care how good he has been or how little he meant it. He took away the life of another person, he can go home and rebuild his life. What about her family and friends?

tina, london,