Conflicted Libertarian

I note that the ink on the Amanda Knox verdict is barely dry and politicians are already getting involved.  Senator Maria Cantwell of Knox’s home state of Washington was quoted in CNN:

“The prosecution did not present enough evidence for an impartial jury to conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that Ms. Knox was guilty,” Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat, said in a written statement. “Italian jurors were not sequestered and were allowed to view highly negative news coverage about Ms. Knox.

“Other flaws in the Italian justice system on display in this case included the harsh treatment of Ms. Knox following her arrest; negligent handling of evidence by investigators; and pending charges of misconduct against one of the prosecutors stemming from another murder trial,” Cantwell said.

Senator Cantwell is not the only one.  Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was asked to get involved.  This has already caused backlash in Italy. 

Last night, Knox’s Italian lawyer distanced himself from the senator’s claims. Luciano Ghirga said: ‘That’s all we need, Hillary Clinton involved. I have the same political sympathies as Hillary but this sort of thing does not help us in any way.’

Prosecutor Giuliano Mignini said: ‘This senator should not intervene in something she has no idea about.  I am happy with how the trial went.”

In fairness, there are questions about the Knox verdict.  It is largely circumstantial.  But for the United States government to intervene in foreign trials is yet another form of intervention that is unnecessary, not authorized by the Constitution and contrary to our historical traditions.  Let’s let the appeal process work itself out.

Tags: Amanda-Knox, Daily-Mail, Hillary-Clinton, Maria-Cantwell