World

ABC News sees stark cultural divide in Knox verdict

by Susan Marie Kovalinsky | December 6, 2009 at 06:58 pm

213 views | 8 Recommendations | 2 comments

Quote

"I'm not sure that's what she got," said Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. "I think what happened [Friday] is we had a decision in which it seems the overall impression of Amanda Knox by the press in Italy and the overwhelming amount of attention given this case may have prejudiced the jury." Cantwell will contact Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about the case, she said. She also plans to contact the European Union to encourage it to pressure Italy during the appeals process and already has been in touch with the Italian prime minister. "I didn't believe she had a fair trial," Cantwell added. "And I think it's important for both of our countries to make sure that justice is served and that there is a rule of law and a standard that people believe in."

ABC World News

The British and Italians have largely supported the verdict. Many US legal experts, pundits, and even a State Senator, have decried it.
Americans overwhelmingly think that Knox was crucified in the Italian media, and made to be the sex-crazed American, wreaking mayhem abroad.
US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton will even review the case to see if anti-American taint is within it.

Moreover, Washington Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell plans to contact the European Union to pressure them about the appeals process, and has already been in touch with Italy's Prime Minister.

Is this American arrogance; over-reaching in the concern for Ms. Knox, a beautiful and talented honor student?

See ABC VIDEO

The Italian lawyers for U.S. college student Amanda Knox say their client has lost a battle but not the war. They're already preparing to appeal her murder conviction.

But last week's verdict has deepened a sharp cultural divide.

The Italian and British media generally have supported the outcome but it was denounced by many U.S. analysts. Some Italians have called Americans arrogant for questioning the result and the Italian legal process.

The jury ultimately gave Knox a 26-year sentence for murder and other counts rather than the life sentence that prosecutors had requested. Knox, 22, could serve considerably fewer years in jail with time off for good behavior.

But she had hoped for an acquittal.

"She said, 'As soon as I heard the first guilty sentence, I fell into my arms and couldn't hear anything,'" her younger sister, Deanna Knox, told ABC News after visiting Amanda Knox in jail. "She said she heard us crying behind her and she tuned everything out and just cried."

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

Susan Marie Kovalinsky

at 19:18 on December 6th, 2009

Well, yes, and on top of that, the scenario was pure speculation on Magnini's part. I feel something is afoul there....

Iffy (not verified)

at 00:24 on December 7th, 2009

I think a lot of Americans do not realise how much hatred there is towards America and Americans in Britain and Italy. It has only got a lot worse since 9/11. Many people in Britain either laughed or didn't care when 9/11 happened. And they strongly resent being dragged into two wars. Many British are openly aggressive and rude to Americans.