Those trying to get out of it by saying they didn't mean it are lying. They fucking meant it. They were willing to see their own family members jailed or worse for noticing that it was all a scam. They HATED you for not complying, they probably still do as it exposed their moral cowardice. They still think, "If only you'd just gone along with it, no one would have known (because everyone would be in the same fucked boat)". They hate you for being right. The acolytes might be able to get forgiveness IF they admit their wrong and beg for mercy with no guarantee of receiving it. The ring leaders deserve worse than death. A message to future generations must be sent, if that takes breaking them on the wheel and gibbeting them alive until they die and the flesh rots from their bones, then so be it.