Who is quoted as saying, "If you give me six lines written by the most honest man, I will find something in them to hang him"?

The quote "If you give me six lines written by the most honest man, I will find something in them to hang him" is attributed to Cardinal Richelieu. This statement reflects the idea that with enough scrutiny, anyone can be found guilty of something, as language can be interpreted in various ways. Richelieu, a powerful and influential French clergyman and statesman who served as Chief Minister to King Louis XIII, was known for manipulating law and politics to wield considerable power; thus, this quote encapsulates his views on the vulnerability of individuals to legal and political prosecution.

Understanding this context highlights the broader implications of governance, law, and morality, illustrating how even seemingly innocuous statements can be twisted to serve unjust ends if one looks hard enough. This aligns with teachings in asylum law about the importance of fair and unbiased processes, emphasizing that the way evidence is interpreted should not lead to misuse or abuse of power.