Three carved theatrical masks in black, charcoal and pale grey show different degrees of frowning against slate.

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Troades

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

He who does not prevent a crime when he can, encourages it.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The saying condemns a person who can prevent a crime but fails to do so, treating inaction as encouragement. It is a moral judgment about responsibility, not proof that any identified person committed or enabled a crime.

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