Bruce Fischer followed up his first book(Injustice in Perugia) with a post conviction, post acquittal account of the last 2 years of the ordeal of Raffaele Sollecito and American, Amanda Knox.
He details the various participants in the pre-appeal portion of the "new trial". Under Italian law, the appeal trial is essentially a completely new trial. The major changes include a new jury and a new judge. Unfortunately, the prosecutor was the same:Giuliano Mignini.
Fischer brings together all the relevant evidence presented during the appeal trial. He chronicles how the defense obliterated the prosecution's case, especially the egregius behavior of the State DNA scientist Stefanoni. Not only did she fail to use accepted practice, but she also altered results to confirm prejudicial positions regarding defendants Sollecito and Knox.
Fischer also includes an extensive list of bloggers, friends, and family that supported the efforts of the defense to overturn the conviction of October,2009.
After almost 4 years in prison for a crime they did not commit, Amanda and Raffaele were released to their families in October, 2011. They had lost their innocence; and because of the efforts of families and complete strangers with a sense of justice, the proper outcome prevailed. Sadly, the family of the victim, Meredith Kercher did not regain any sense of relief for the loss of their daughter. Convicted murderer, Rudy Guede had his 30 year sentence reduced to 15 years at the request of prosecutor Mignini. How does this happen: an innocent woman is raped and murdered in brutal fashion and then has his sentence reduced? It underscores the vagaries of the criminal justice system in Italy, and for that matter, the United States. Despite laws and safeguards, outcomes can still defy reason.
This book is well worth the time and effort and is recommended for parents of students traveling abroad and especially those Americans enamored with things Italian. There are obvious flaws in their judicial system. Unfortunately, the many players in the Italian system see no particular need to alter their existing system with all its flawed parts. Was justice done? Eventually, but at great cost to defendants and their families. Four years in prison is a significant portion of the life of a 20 year old.
Perhaps this will move some to call for change. We won't hold our breath.
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