Anticipation guide over forgiveness: Man or Machine?

In the case of the scientist who developed a biological weapon that could kill thousands, I believe that this man deserves forgiveness.  Even though no one "deserves" forgiveness, I believe that we should forgive anyways.  This scientist was probably just messing around in the lab and made some weapons.  Should he be punished for this?  I don't think so.  I will not condemn this man for doing he job.