Amanda Knox Appeal: Petitions, Extradition, Double Jeopardy, and Who Hit the Panic Button

February 4, 2014

It seems the recent guilty verdict by the Italian court made more than a few people panic. This was compounded by the news stories circulating about how Amanda would be extradited to Italy. So called experts and international lawyers were saying how Knox was now in a very bad position. And I was buying into this nonsense also.

Now that the smoke is clearing a bit, and after doing a little research on extradition and also on petitions, I think some people including myself jumped the gun on this. First I want to clear a few things up. About the petition I originally mentioned a few days ago- I was referring to a 'long term' petition. I found out after writing that post that 2 petitions were started the day before my post at the white house site- We the People.
This type of petition has a 30 day time limit with a threshold of 100,000 signatures required to get a response from the White House. Now I don't know who started these petitions at the government site, but I'm sure their heart is in the right place. But the problem with these type of petitions is the time limit- 30 days- it actually ends on March 1, 2014. Even if these petitions made the required threshold for White House response- all the government would say is: Hey, Italy did not ask for us to extradite Amanda Knox. And that's all they would have to say about that.

If the Italian Supreme Court upholds the guilty verdict they may ask for Knox to be extradited. There are also reasons they may not ask. So these current white house petitions are not going to block an extradition that is not even on the table. On the other hand- these petitions are certainly not harming anything either. It should be pointed out however that the majority of Knox supporters will probably not sign a petition where there is no present threat to Amanda. Without realizing they were quick 30 day petitions I sign them myself. No harm done, and I'm not sorry I did. It does show support for the cause, but other than showing support they have no practical value. This type of petition will have value if Italy ever asks the U S to turn over Amanda Knox.

Now about extradition. A few news/online blogs are stating that the U S would have to turn over Knox if Italy requested it. THAT IS NOT CORRECT.
The U S does not HAVE to extradite Knox and common sense dictates that they probably will not. Just because there is a treaty between the U S and Italy does not mean we hand over people blindly. There are clauses in most treaties- and one of the most common is: that 'probable cause to believe' that the person asked for committed the offense. These trials in Italy against Knox and Sollecito have been internationally condemned by a great many people including law makers and forensic scientists. Also, the guilty 26 years....not guilty you can go..........guilty 28.5 years verdicts do not set well with the American people or the U S Constitution. Add to this the facts that Knox had no legal rep, was assulted during interrogation, and was hoodwinked into making false statements- and I think the U S has a dozen reasons to say NO to Italy if they ever come calling. To put it simply- this is no average case where the U S would feel compelled to comply with extradition. This case is an exception to the rule and that's putting it mildly.

As far as double jeopardy (to be tried more than once/ sentenced more than once for the same crime) in this country it is forbidden by the U S Constitution. But the trials were held in Italy under Italian law, so it is not as simple as it sounds. Even the law experts are divided as to whether this constitutes double jeopardy. Whether the State Dept thinks so or not is not the last resort to saving Amanda from extradition. This case was tainted from the very beginning- and that's not a secret. I can not see the Secretary of State handing over an obviously innocent person to be jailed overseas simply because there is a treaty. Bottom line is- this case does not meet the conditions necessary for the U S to approve extradition.

As for that panic button- I think I hit it myself after I heard the recent verdict- I'm better now.

Amanda Knox Appeal- Italian Supreme Court's Strange Reasoning

June 19, 2013 -
It seems Italy has not had enough of the Amanda Knox case. At least the Italian Supreme Court wants to keep the show going anyway, and came out with their reasoning as to why they think Amanda Knox should be retried. Yesterday the court released their report on why Knox' innocent verdict was thrown out.

After reading some of the details, an old expression came to mind: "Why do some people behave as if stupidity were a virtue." One of the most off the wall statements in the report was that the court seemed to have faith in the old motive of the 'sex game gone wrong' theory. A theory with no supporting evidence, and one that even the prosecutors at the original trial gave up on. Another beauty in the reasoning report was the supreme court felt that the park bum witness testimony was of value, and that the court that freed Knox did not take it into consideration, and stated- that he should not be overlooked just because he was homeless. I remember this bum's testimony during the appeal, and being homeless was not why his testimony was considered unreliable. He admitted that he was a hard drug user and that he was in fact under the influence of drugs the night in question. And as to the night in question, he did not remember which night it was because he said the buses were running, and in fact the murder was the next day when no buses were running. And the report goes on for some 74 pages.

The reasons for overturning the Amanda Knox verdict of innocent by the Italian Supreme Court is to say the least- strange. Although I would love to use more colorful language to describe it. Just when the Italian courts got it right, now they want to do it again. Which makes me think of another old expression: "If it isn't broke, don't try to fix it".

For those of you not completely up on this case, feel free to go through the information contained in this blog. For an inside look at this case, read Amanda Knox' book "Waiting To Be Heard- A Memoir".

CNN's Chris Cuomo Interviews Amanda Knox- About Sex

May 9, 2013

After seeing the Chris Cuomo interview with Amanda Knox Tuesday (it took a day for the shock wear off) I was left wondering, what exactly did he think he was going to accomplish with his overbearing persistence? Did he think he was going to pressure her into throwing herself on her knees and confessing to sexual deviance. AHA...I solved the case- at last. Although Knox was answering his sex questions over and over- still he persisted until Amanda was growing visibly uncomfortable. And after reading a lot of comments on the internet a great many people were also uncomfortable with his tactics- which seemed more like a grilling than an interview.

After 4 years in prison and having endured all kinds of "insensitivity" and interrogations by the Italian police and courts, I don't think she was really up for this kind of thing- however, she did handle it well I thought. Let's face it, there were a lot of different routes this so-called interview could have taken- he didn't really have to go for the eyes.

For those of you who missed this....'interview', there are plans to show it again Saturday. I don't know how much Chris Cuomo knows about this case- but if he did his homework he would know that there is no evidence pointing to Knox being guilty. And the so-called 'deviant sex game gone wrong' is a  fabrication of the Italian prosecution, with no evidence at all that anything of the kind ever took place.

I think Amanda held up very well, considering the man's questions and the hard look on his face, and if he deserved a glass of water tossed on him after the interview, is of course a matter of opinion. But hey- nobody likes a bully.

Amanda Knox Ordered To Stand New Trial By Italian Court- Again

March 26, 2013

The Italian Supreme Court has thrown out the innocent verdict Amanda Knox received in October of 2011- which set her free- and has ordered her to stand trial yet again. The reason? They didn't give one yet- at least one that made any sense. Rather than review the details of the case, the Italian court looked only for an "error in procedure". This new trial is to take place in the city of Florence and not Perugia as in the first two trials.

For those not aware of the facts: Amanda Knox was found guilty of murdering her room-mate Meredith  (a Brit who was studying in Perugia at the same time as Knox) along with Amanda's ex boyfriend Raffaele. Amanda was sentenced to 26 years and Raffaele to 25 years. The two spent four years in Italian prisons before their convictions were overturned on appeal in October 2011. Knox then left Italy and returned to her hometown of Seattle, and Raffaele returned to his home which is near Bari Italy. And all seemed well, with a great many people rejoicing that the Italian appeal court finally got the right verdict of not guilty and released the pair. The prosecution of course was none too pleased, and appealed to the Italian Supreme Court for a new trial. Shockingly, the Italian Supreme court overturned the innocent verdicts and now order both Amanda and her ex-boyfriend Raffaele to stand a new trial on the murder charge. This new turn of events is absolutely shocking, and completely ridiculous.

Actually- it's quite stupid, but I guess the Italian courts love a good show so much they just could not let such a juicy opportunity slip by. They are certainly peeing against wind on this one, as Amanda is an American citizen- safe in the U S- and in this country we do not try people twice for the same crime. It's called DOUBLE JEOPARDY! (and yes that is the legal term for it). I don't know what afflicts these prosecutors over there that they keep trying to convict two innocent people with no evidence, and when they already have the real murderer in prison. Well, I'm not going to spit nails over this foolishness, but I do think that THIS TIME the U S State Dept. needs to address this issue, and inform Italy as to the legal rights of U S citizens who have already been found not guilty....... Unbelievable.

Amanda Knox Appeal Forum: Concerning Australia...New Post For Schapelle Corby

May 8, 2012 - The new post is for Schapelle Corby. Click the link below to go to the Schapelle Corby Freedom Forum "And God Said: Let There Be Light- But Not In Australia"   >schapellecorbyfreedomforum.blogspot.com<

Amanda Knox Appeal: Hellmann Motivation Report Intelligently Supports Not Guilty Verdict

Italy has redeemed itself. Logic has overruled speculation, and a 21st century witch-hunt has come to an end with the release of Judge Hellmann's report explaining the reasons for the acquittal of Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito.

A 143 page report was released yesterday which clearly defends the verdict of the Italian Appeals Court which overturned the conviction of Amanda Knox. To anyone who has done the research on this case there were really no surprises- simply common sense replacing speculation and outright fiction (as in the case of the lower court's original guilty verdict).

The major points of the report supporting Hellmann's not guilty verdict are:
No logical motive.
DNA evidence condemned by court appointed experts
Lower court did not prove Knox was at the scene of crime.
Faulty time of death used by lower court (Hellmann moves the time of death back an hour).
Amanda Knox behavior dismissed as not a sign of guilt as people behave differently under stress.
Hellmann disputes Knox and Sollecito involvement with Guede as improbable. No evidence of communication with Guede exists (no e-mails, no phone calls or text messages).
Hellmann condemns police questioning as causing great psychological stress leading to falsely accusing Lumumba. Hellmann states that Knox told the police what she thought they wanted to hear out police induced psychological stress. In fact, Hellmann says, that to use the word 'stress' would be understating the event.
Witnesses produced by the prosecution were unreliable.

These are most of the main points of Hellmann's report. There is of course much more to the report than I have stated, but the above address most of the important issues as regards the not guilty verdict.

At this point in time, some may be wondering about the prosecution appealing the verdict. My thinking is- good luck with that. An appeal will not change the facts. The prosecution would still need to find fault with the Hellmann report in a rational manner in order to gain an appeal- in other words they would have to dispute common sense with nothing more than foolish speculation. And even if the prosecution managed to pull off another trial, you can take it to the bank that Amanda Knox will not be present. The United States will never extradite Knox to Italy and the prosecution knows it. It would all be just a foolish waste of time. The 'Foxy Knoxy' circus is worn out; the witch-hunt is over.

Amanda Knox Appeal: Amanda Says To Court: Do Justice. Jury Retires to Decide Verdict

October 3, 2011 - Amanda Knox addressed the court in Perugia this morning, ending her statement in almost a whisper with "Do Justice". She didn't break down but was clearly emotional, fighting back tears several times she told the court in fluent Italian: "I didn't kill. I didn't rape. I didn't steal." During her address Amanda's sister Deanna wept, as did one of Knox's lawyers Maria del Grosso. Referring to the police questioning of November 4-5 almost almost 4 years ago Knox said: "I wasn't just stressed and pressured, I was manipulated. I trusted the police blindly, and I was betrayed". She had to pause several times and take a deep breath, and appeared to be trembling sightly. Her statement lasted about ten minutes but she clearly said what was in her heart- at one point saying "I just want to go home...". Her fellow defendant Raffaele Sollecito spoke just before Knox, addressing the court for about 15 minutes. At the end of his statement Raffaele took off a bracelet that had the words Free Amanda and Raffaele. He said he wanted to honor the court because he had never taken it off since it was given to him, but now hoped he wouldn't need it anymore. It was to show his trust in the court.

The jury retired to come to a verdict on this case. The judge has said that there would not be a verdict before 8pm local time (Italy) corresponding to 7pm in the UK, 2pm eastern time U S and 11am in Seattle. What that verdict will be no one knows yet, but I can not imagine anything except Amanda and Raffaele being freed today- No other verdict makes sense. The only other possible verdict- in case of some sort of deadlock in the jury room, would be convicting them of a lesser charge and freeing them with time served. A guilty verdict in my opinion is incomprehensible. That would be a tragedy.

Personally, I am wreck as I wait for the verdict wired on coffee. I have put on the forum videos of the Beatles in honor of Amanda's love for the song Let It Be. Strangely, the song seems to fit this occasion where the world is divided as to her guilt or innocence, and waiting for this jury to give an answer as to the verdict. If you do not know the song:
"And when the broken hearted people
Living in the world agree,
There will be an answer, let it be.

For though they may be parted there is
Still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be.

Or just listen to the video by clicking on the first box with Paul McCartney. It will give you something to do as you bite your nails and wait for the verdict.
I don't think my opinion of an innocent verdict is off the mark. Even the priest at Capanne prison thinks Amanda is innocent. He had said today that he will see Amanda when she comes back to the prison today to wait for the jury's verdict. He said he hopes that is the last time he will see her, and she gets to go home. I bet you he is praying for her right now.

Amanda Knox Appeal: Overwhelming Support For Knox Is Not The Result Of So-Called P R Machine

October 1, 2011- There has been a lot of talk lately about the so-called Knox P R Machine. Just the name anti-Knox factions give it is kind of ridiculous because it is not a 'machine' of any kind, and has not had much of an impact on public opinion. The misleading term P R Machine gives one the false impression that this 'machine' runs the media, and therefore controls public opinion in favor of Amanda Knox- this is of course complete foolishness. In reality, no one controls the media and the media is not run by any one 'machine'. This term was coined by anti-Knox factions to make it appear that the recent overwhelming support of Amanda's innocence is the product of some kind of 'brainwashing' of the public by the media and pro-Knox sites. Even prosecutor Mignini (a well known fibber) was using this line to try and get the jury to think that favorable news about Amanda was not real, but the product of some 'p r machine' backed by millions of dollars. This is complete............ horse-feathers.

The major news networks are not controlled by outside forces. And the major so-called pro-Knox sites are not part of any machine and is not being paid by the Knox family. All of the major pro-Knox sites are simply private ventures of people who believe in Amanda's innocence and wanted to do something about the injustice of her conviction. Frank's site Perugia Shock, Injustice in Perugia run by Bruce Fisher, Candace Dempsey's blog on Knox, and this site Amanda Knox Appeal Forum, are not part of any 'machine, and no one is getting paid to post in favor of Amanda Knox. In part the above sites were created to counter the misinformation and outright lies that had been spread by certain groups hostile toward Knox and her family. And each one is independent of one another- the only thing we have in common is the belief that Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito are innocent and have been unjustly convicted. That's it, no cash, no machine- just the desire to tell the truth about this case.

Now just recently Barbie Latza Nadeau has written a piece talking about this 'p r machine' and mentioned a 'blacklist' of reporters by the Knox family. She says in referring to the Knox family that they "...won't talk to anyone who does not tow the party line." What she does not say is that this so-called 'party line' is that certain journalists are hostile to Knox and are unbalanced in their reporting of this case. First off, they are entitled to talk to whom they please and why would they want to talk to reporters who have written some pretty nasty and misleading things about their daughter. Barbie did not mention if she herself was on this 'blacklist', but considering some of the things she has written about Knox, I've got a pretty good idea- as do many others.

The simple truth is, that people's reality of this case has changed since Amanda and Raffaele's convictions two years ago. Over time, the truth has come out. People are now aware that some of the things that were taken as the truth in fact have turned out to be lies and speculation. That the prosecution's case - once thought by some to be solid- is in fact a house of cards with no evidence that proves guilt. Thus a great many people have come to realize that this case is one of injustice. It was not the result of some 'p r machine', it was the result of people finally learning the facts, and coming to realize that the prosecution had hoodwinked them. That in fact there is no hard evidence against the accused, yet they have spent the last four years in prison. Now that the truth has emerged, there are a lot of ticked-off people out there, and they want this injustice corrected. Hopefully, a few days from now- it will be.

Amanda Knox Appeal: Defense Puts Up A Good Fight In Perugia- It Should Be Enough

September 29, 2011-  Information is slow at this time in Perugia at the Amanda Knox hearing- why? I have no idea. There are probably more first rate reporters in Perugia right now than anywhere. Yet only a trickle of information is coming through.

It is reported that Knox lawyer Dalla Vedova has spoken passionately at this hearing going over certain issues such as the false confession - a product of hostile police. And also that Knox's rights were violated.  And the image of Knox blown way out of proportion by the prosecution.

We will have to wait later in the day to get all the details. In a way there is something disturbing about this appeals trial. It is like a contest of who you believe- almost like who puts on the best show. That should not be what this is about - but it is.

Somewhere the truth has taken a back seat for those of you watching. The truth is- Knox is just a girl from Seattle who got caught up in all of this. And who is to blame? It is the prosecution who has pushed this into farce this far. Four years is a long time- but in prison, four years is much longer. All can argue that oh Amanda is this or that- a she-devil or Jessica Rabbit. Yet the fact remains that there is no evidence against Amanda and Raffaele that proves them guilty of this crime.

And that is the whole point. As this judge- Judge Hellmann has stated you can not convict unless it is beyond a reasonable doubt- that is the law in Italy now. And I think most of the world who knows about this case has a very reasonable doubt. Although both sides are competing against each other- it should be the truth that holds. There is no evidence that proves guilt- it should not be a debate- but such is the way it is done.

We will not know the outcome to this until it is over- all else is speculation as to how the jury sees it. That is the hard part to all of this- how the jury sees it. Let's hope that they can see what has happened here. The injustice that has happened, and give these two young people back their lives.

This is not a plea. Not even a call to justice. At this point in time with all that has been revealed- it is common sense. The prosecution has lied in this case- it is deplorable. The defendants in this case are not monsters but victims of injustice. While everyone would like to place people into a mold for easier classification, Knox is not an angel and nor is she a she-devil or witch- and nor is she Jessica Rabbit- she is just a girl from Seattle who was caught up in the fantasies of a corrupt prosecutor and nailed to the wall. Now- if there is any justice in this Italian nightmare- let's see it. The innocent have suffered enough.

Amanda Knox Appeal: Francesco Maresca Uses Shock Tactics To Counter Reality- No Evidence

September 27, 2011- I was not going to post on Maresca's fiasco in court yesterday but some people have asked why I did not. Simply put, after reading Steve Moore's post on his blog I figured that was enough to suffice- he stated the case well enough. After all Maresca is not the prosecution- he is only a civil lawyer looking to collect money from the Knox family for the Kercher family suit against the murderers of Meredith Kercher. As has been said before- If Amanda and Raffaele walk after this appeals, Maresca stands to lose money- he certainly can not get anything from Rudy Guede- who has not had the chance to sell any dope lately.

The only thing I really want to bring up now is that I agree with a great many people- including Steve Moore and some important journalists- in Italy, US and UK, who were appalled at the display in court yesterday of graphic and disturbing images of Meredith Kercher - photographed as she was found. What was the point of this? It is not Maresca's job to try and prove guilt but yes he does stand to lose a lot of money if Amanda and Raffaele go free- so I guess that was the only motive to do this.

Maresca had said to the jury that it was not his intention to shock but only to show how Meredith had suffered. Does anyone actually believe that? Of course it was to shock and to show how she was brutally murdered and to suggest that Knox and Sollecito are to be hated as this was obviously their doing- But of course there is no evidence to prove any such thing- Yet it does stoke the emotions as he well knows.

This was nothing more than a trial tactic to disgust the jury- in the absence of evidence. It came without warning- suddenly there on a big screen one gory photo after another popped up and no one had a chance to leave as it was not revealed in advance that it was going to take place. Not only Amanda but several people on the jury turned their heads from the images. There was no real point in showing those photos - they were shown before - but it was revealed in advance and the room cleared- This time no one had a choice.

Nothing surprises me anymore about this case- I am sure it has given a great many people insight though. My personal observation is that I think, despite being just a civil lawyer, Maresca should try and find a place with the prosecution- they seem to be cut from the same cloth. Ask yourselves this- how does this display by Maresca honor the memory of Meredith Kercher? To show her like that- only for the sake of a civil lawsuit for money- Pathetic!

Amanda Knox Appeal: September 26, 2011 Amanda Knox Is Abused By Cowardly Lawyers At Appeal

September 26, 2011- Well I finally reached my limit on this appeal. It was absolutely contemptible what occurred today at the appeals trial. Such a cowardly show of force against a young American woman who was not able to defend herself- where even her family was forced to suck up this injustice- staring down and shaking their heads in disbelief. Is this justice?

Knox, surrounded by prison guards at the defendant's table, listening to the garbage fired at her - calling her every name in the book- split personality, satanic, demonic, she devil, liar, deceiver- and on an on like that. And who was that coming from- 'Patrick' Lumumba's lawyer who's name is Carlo Pacelli.

Well now- I am not in Italy- I am an American, born and bred and therefore I am within my rights and within my country to give it back to you. I am not under the law in Italy therefore I can speak the truth. And in this country you have to lie in order to be convicted of slander and, hey, I will not lie.

'Patrick Lumumba has dollar signs in his eyes and so does his lawyer. He has slandered Amanda Knox but is allowed to get away with it because she is in prison and is the accused. Lumumba says he has been so hurt from what Knox accused him of- Bullshit- you have never had this much attention in your life and you are looking for money in a civil suit with your lawyer Pacelli- Who does this guy think he is- to call this defendant all the names that he has, like he knows anything for a fact. The truth is- Amanda is on her own and no one can help her there except these judges and jury. The lawsuit lawyers have never been in the international spotlight before so I guess it looks like a good calling card. You lowlifes.

Understand this people- Lumumba spent 2 weeks in jail, but Amanda was sentenced to a year in prison for that- but still he wants money and fame as does his lawyer. So they get to abuse her even though she has already done that year in prison. And if anyone should pay it should be the Perugia police who forced that out of Amanda. They were looking for a black man due to a hair they found and the message on Amanda's cell phone had a call from Lumumba- a black man. They were really looking for Rudy Guede but they didn't know that yet so Lumumba being black they set their sites on him. So they grilled her over and over illegally and abused her and terrorized her until she gave them what they wanted to hear. I think, under the circumstances that is understandable. The Perugia police terrorized her into it and now she looks like the bad person.

Of course, you can not go against the police in Italy because it's against the law- But in the United States Of America- it is not. In this country if the police abuse you- you have the right to say so. You have the right to defend yourself at your own trial, and if the police are at fault and you say so- you are not held for slander. Now I have said what has been on my mind- brought about through witnessing the abuse of Amanda Knox today. It was a shameful display, and it is killing her I think. I still have faith in the judges and jury of this appeals. Hopefully they can see through all the lies and drama and do the right thing.

 I am sorry for the pain Amanda and her parents have suffered; They have to take it all in silence.  I on the other hand am not in Italy- otherwise some people might be banging on the door as I type this. But as a great many people know who are watching this case closely- they know that when all of this is over, whatever the outcome- there will be a reckoning.

Amanda Knox Appeal: Prosecutor Comodi Tries To Confuse Jury- It's Talc Not Starch On Knife Blade- Wrong

September 25, 2011 - As I have said before- the prosecution is desperate, and it's starting to show to anyone paying attention. Although the prosecution is good at dramatics, they are short on facts- way short. And it is clear that when they are 'up against the wall', they will resort to just about anything. I hope the jury in this case is paying attention- I do know that both judges are up on the facts and no one is going to confuse them- although the prosecution is giving it a good shot.

At Saturday's hearing Manuela Comodi (one of the prosecutors against Knox & Sollecito) tried to brush away the sound thrashing the prosecution took on the DNA 'evidence' as pointed out by the two DNA court appointed experts. In fact she tried to brush away everything, but some of it was just plain ridiculous. Such as pulling out a bra and giving a 'performance' on how Sollecito cut the bra off the victim Meredith Kercher and thus, 'depositing his DNA- BUT- was the jury aware that it was only one possible way among dozens of others- AND, what proof is there that it was Sollecito that did any such thing- there is none, but like I said it was good dramatics.

I think the really pathetic part came when Ms. Comodi attempted to hold to the DNA and trash the court appointed experts. She made a major error when she suggested that they were not qualified and to really 'blow-it' she actually tried to make the jury believe that it was not starch on the knife as court appointed experts testified on the blade but rather, it was the talc from the gloves used by the police. No shame. I actually went up to the State University Of New York to back up what I thought on the starch bit- and sure enough there can be no confusion between talc (which is a soft rock with numerous minerals- usually ground to a white powder) and RYE BREAD STARCH which is a plant (flour and Calcium Propanoate). But- it was a good try- or should I say- bluff. The court appointed experts had said that there was no blood on the blade- no Kercher DNA, but there was the presence of starch- specifically- starch from RYE BREAD- not corn starch- not talc, and there is no confusing one with the other. Hopefully this did not get by anyone at the time. Comodi's performance today was not one based on fact but no doubt performed to confuse the jury. A desperate act- put forth in the absence of facts.

It has become very clear that this prosecution team is more concerned with winning or losing- rather than innocence or guilt. As to the moral fiber of people who would convict innocents for the sake of their careers- I think we all know the answer to that.

A lot of people long ago believed Knox and Sollecito were guilty because they did not understand the magnitude of the lies and misinformation that has gone on in this case. I know that in Italy they have their own way of doing things that we in the U S and U K do not necessarily go along with- Not that one is better than the other- just different. This case has given a great many people an education as to why things happen the way they do- yet that does not make it right or true, particularly with all the lies that have been told concerning this case. So from all over the world, we ask of Italy and particularly from Judge Pratillo Hellmann and Judge Zanetti- For the love of God, do the right thing- and we all know what that is.

Amanda Knox Appeal: Closing Arguments Of This Case Tomorrow September 23rd

September 22, 2011- It is almost over now. Many people wonder how it will go- what will be the final outcome this time? In a way it is needless to wonder- this is not the first trial- and justice is at hand with a new judge and jury. Many things have been brought to light since the first trial and it is clear this time around that Amanda Knox and Raffael Sollecito are innocent.

Still you can expect the prosecution to present the lies they have told throughout, in the hope that people would believe that Amanda Knox is guilty. The prosecution/ Maresca can call forth Meredith's family- which brings about sympathy but that means nothing as far as guilt is concerned. Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito did not kill Meredith Kercher- period.

This case was based on lies from the very beginning and I do not expect the lies to stop now. A great many people have followed this case and they know what has gone on- and it is not flattering to the Perugia officials who have been in charge of this case.

Much of Amanda's family have just flown out to go to Perugia to give her support, Yes they do expect her to go home but of course they are not positive of that. Can they be wrong? Hopefully, this will not turn out another Italian nightmare, and justice will prevail this time.

Judge Prattillo Hellmann is the man in power on this case- I am not worried about this- Everything says he is a good man and this case will end with justice for the innocent.

It is all going to end very shortly with a verdict due by the end of next week. As many people have said- this case will end when the innocent are freed. Now all eyes should be on Rudy Guede and what can be done with the likes of him- unfortunately the evil he has done is forgotten, as all eyes are on the innocent. This is a very strange case indeed.

Amanda Knox Appeal: For Tomorrow Sept 23rd What Does the Prosecution Have Up It's Sleeve?

September 22, 2011- In all slight of hand- in cards- in life- and in jury trials, particularly this one involving Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito in Perugia Italy, one wonders what is the last card to be played by the prosecution. The world has heard that prosecutor Comodi said "they will go free". Do not buy that the prosecution will lie down on this. The prosecution built their case on smoke and mirrors during the first trial and I don't think it will be any different now- after all, it worked the first time. Hopefully they would redeem themselves and just call it quits- but I don't think that is what is going to happen- unfortunately. People like this do not throw in the towel- they just get out more mirrors and smoke machines. I know- it's pathetic, but that is usually how it goes. So what does the prosecution have up it's sleeve- now that they have just about lost this case?

I think their biggest card to play is someone from the Kercher family to lend the 'sympathy' card. Which always happens when someone in question may walk free- and try to influence the jury to feel sorry for their loss- but what? To convict people who are innocent just to say oh now we have 'closure'.  The Kercher lawyer Franceso Maresca delivered a letter to the press- as obscure as it was it still seemed to want justice but what justice is that and from whose perspective?

As much as my heart goes out to the Kercher family I think it is time to ask yourselves- are we wrong- could it be that the prosecutor and police in this case have screwed this up and are tying to convict innocents along with the guilty (Rudy Guede)? And by lending their voice to the prosecution- and as Maresca says, maybe Stephanie Kercher may come to give a statement. is this the right thing to do or is it a very wrong action to take?

In all honesty, I do not think anything can stop Amanda Knox from going free- because that is what this case has produced- innocence from the facts that have come to light. Why some people persist in the face of reason - I will never know. All I can say is what others do not say outright.

The prosecution had loaded motives I think. They had their own agenda. Mignini is known for criminal activities and it is not beyond him to do this trial with cards up his sleeve.

Maresca has something to win or lose. The prosecution's case is something that would not hold in the UK of the US- and they know it. The only good thing about this Italian trial is that Judge Pratillo Hellmann who has been a fair judge and tried to do his duty and this is a good thing to see.

I ask all- to stop and think and evaluate the evidence, and do not play into a corrupt system where the prosecutor thinks he/ she can manipulate people to bring about a false judgement.

As most people know- Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito are innocent. This case will not go away until Amanda and Raffaele are found innocent of this crime. Everyone feels sorrow for the victim of this crime Meredith Kercher, yet realize that the murderer has been caught and imprisoned- Rudy Guede.

Other people have suffered in this case. The prosecutor and police in Perugia did an injustice to arrest Amanda Knox and Raffael Sollecito. Yes they made a mistake. They took away four years of these young people's lives. All they ask is for justice to set them free. There are no more smoke and mirror acts that will fool people- that time is over. People are well aware now what has gone on- for shame.

 A great many people around the world hope this judge and jury does the right thing, and release Amanda and Raffaele. Nothing else will suffice. Free the innocent.

Amanda Knox Appeal: Countdown To Freedom

September 19, 2011- It's all winding down now- not in intensity, but in time. After nearly four years of being locked away in Italian prisons, Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito are on the last stretch of their appeal, and two weeks from now or sooner- it will all be over. Few criminal cases in the last 100 years have provoked such intense international interest and debate.

Yet this case is not a mystery, only an injustice waiting to be corrected. There is a murderer, and his name is Rudy Guede. That part is certainly no mystery as all the evidence points to him, and him alone. If there is a mystery in this case, it is why prosecutor Mignini and his police chose to involve Knox and Sollecito in this crime when none of the evidence found in the murder room pointed to them. Do not forget that they were arrested before evidence was collected and properly tested. Although I have my own opinions- and I am sure others do also- I can not say with any certainty that I  understand Mignini's motives- only what it appears to be. And there is no sense in trying to understand this prosecutor's mentality anymore than there is debating why some mental patients try to pick flowers off the wallpaper. Although I do think there is a common denominator- and it's called illusion, or perhaps 'wishful thinking' is a better way to put it, at least on Mignini's part, because..........I think he knows better. And that is why this needless witch hunt was beneath contempt. You can expect more 'smoke and mirror' acts at the end of the week when the prosecution has it's final moments in this case, starting Friday the 23rd. I can not imagine how they are going to try and convince an intelligent and informed judge, that despite the fact- there is no motive, and despite the fact- there is no reliable DNA evidence, no witnesses, and in fact nothing at all that places Knox or Sollectito in the murder room- yet...... they did it.  I have to see this.

Lately, I have seen a few, of what some call- the guilters- well, I don't see them exactly- only what they write for comments on various sites : ) Of course that's not a real word- but it may find a place soon in the American Slang Dictionary. It simply refers to those people who think Amanda and Raffaele are guilty. It's in common use now, but I don't know who actually coined that word. You don't hear too much out of them these days, but I did note that one of the comments (quite a few in fact) came from someone using the logo from one of the infamous Anti-Amanda sites. Whether this was a valid use of that site's logo or not I don't know- all I know is that what this person was saying was completely off the wall. They were stating as fact one lie right after another. Things that have long ago been disproved were being rambled off as if it was some last-ditch effort to lead the naive astray. It was almost surreal, considering all that has been revealed in the last few months about the prosecution's case- which has been basically shot to hell, and beyond redemption. Beyond the misinformation that was being fired-off, the statement that Amanda would lose her appeal and that the conviction would hold on the evidence, left me wondering, what exactly afflicts this person. It was really pathetic because they were not backing what they were saying with facts, but with simple speculation and lies.

Now- to anyone suffering from the same affliction, I will leave you with some FACTS that may remedy what ails you. At the beginning of this appeal, the judge stated before the court that you can not convict a person unless it is beyond a reasonable doubt. Then he stated that the only thing known for a fact about this case was that Meredith was murdered. Get it? He wasn't satisfied at all with the original trial, and rightly so. Then he allowed the heroin addicted park bum to testify again (he blew-it), and the re-examination of the DNA by court appointed experts (who basically gave the prosecution's DNA fantasies a decent burial). The prosecution has completely bombed out at this appeals, and what do you think the man who said, you can not convict unless it's beyond a reasonable doubt, thinks now? It is my opinion that anyone who thinks Knox and Sollecito will lose their appeal are either greatly misinformed of this case- or, they need shock treatments, and should stay away from floral wallpaper.

Amanda Knox Appeal: Is Ann Coulter's Take On the Amanda Knox Case A Stunt Or Is She Simply Wrong Again

September 14, 2011- Ann Coulter is a lawyer, an author, and a political commentator, so you would figure that this woman would be well informed or at least cautious about what she spouts. Anyone who has read Coulter's books and read her commentaries should know that it seems like she could really give a rat's ass about offending anyone- but this time she was way off the map.

Her article of September 7th on the Amanda Knox case was simply unreal- even for her. Not only did she ramble off sheer speculation (because that is what she was quoting), the so-called Motivation report of the first trial which even this current appeals judge does not accept. Calling up things that simply stirred-the-pot, yet has no basis in recent reality. It makes one wonder what does this woman thinks she is doing besides trying to get her name involved in a big international murder case. I really don't know. I do know that she does not play it safe and is known for just speaking her mind- hey, that's fine, but don't you think you should know what you are talking about first- You know, kind of have a grip on the facts before you just start spouting off.

Listen honey- most of the things you have said about Amanda Knox are either speculation from the original trial (which intelligent people do not buy into) or misinformation spread by the prosecutor's office in Perugia. What are you going to do when Amanda is released later this month? Actually, I don't think you really care- one way or another. Political commentaries are one thing- fooling with people's lives is another.

Listen if you haven't got the time to do your own research into this case than I am sure you could hire someone to do it for you. That way you would not look like you do at this point. Was it simply for the publicity, or was it that you just bought into bad information? I really don't know. One thing is for sure- I am sure you remember from law school the definitions of the words: wrongful conviction, malicious prosecution, and most importantly- libel and slander.

Just my opinions of course- how would I know? Just like you.

Amanda Knox Appeal: Should Amanda Be Freed And Go Back To Seattle? Yes!

September 12, 2011-
I see that there is a new angle on the Amanda Knox case- a poll which asks if she should be allowed to go back to Seattle- this no doubt is a reflection on the lack of news while people wait for the verdict. The internet now is very slow on the Knox case. The simple answer to why is because most people now expect her to be released- that's right- no more war, no more debating, no more lies to fool people. This case and public opinion has completely come about- a 180 degree turn. Her detractors have all but disappeared.

Yes I checked- On the most notorious site against Amanda Knox, instead of drumming up fictions and applauding her conviction- now (as I checked) they argue about whether Amanda was wearing a bra or not in court. I was amazed- commenting on her wardrobe and if she was wearing a bra was the recent news on this pathetic site- yes you know who you are. These sites now are all but abandoned with nothing to talk about except foolishness.

Now recently a poll asks if Amanda Knox should be allowed to go free and back to Seattle. Well I think that is going to happen anyway regardless of the outcome of polls. Yet the fact is, no one can tell a free person where she can go and when this is all over-which it will be very soon- no one can libel a person who has been freed. So those who want to continue their rants on guilt should watch their tongues so as not to be sued. Yes I know that is what the Italian prosecutors like to do but when she is free- watch your tongue in the U S. Trash the police if you like here but do not libel the innocent. Laws are still laws.

The sad part of all of this and I mean beyond the false conviction, is that Amanda being the person she is, was so badly hurt by all of this. It was not the 4 years in prison as much as the public opinion against her in the beginning that hurt her. She could not bear to think that people thought her guilty of this crime. That is what bothered her more than anything. She was not perfect of course- who is- but could you or I have done better under the circumstances? I do not think so.  She is unusual yes, but that is what makes her appealing to the press and a target for the prosecution. She is photogenic and seemed an ideal target for the press, but now in a good way because there is nothing against her anymore.

When people look back on this case- what will they see? I do not think Amanda Knox will ever be in question- More like, Why did Mignini get to have his way in this case. Why did Rudy Guede  (the real killer) get off with only 16 years, and can they do anything to increase that?  Why do the Kerchers feel the way they do in spite of all the evidence- (Maresca?).  And is it not possible for the prosecution to just lay down arms in the face of all the facts- yes it is .

Understand this- Prosecutor Comodi did not say that Amanda might go free from any sense of compassion- she said it out of the menality that there was nothing left to win. All that was necessary was that there be a fair judge and jury, and that is what Amanda is getting this time- no mystery- just justice.

Amanda Knox Appeal: Even If Amanda Wins Her Appeal Will She Be Allowed To Leave Italy

September 9, 2011
As I was thinking that Amanda Knox would win her appeal and gain her freedom- it did cross my mind that maybe it would not be that simple- not in Italy- not concerning Amanda Knox. I really do hope this is a needless post, but considering what has happened to Amanda in Perugia Italy and considering who runs the show in that town- I get a really creepy feeling that something may go wrong even if she wins.

Consider for a moment that Amanda Knox wins her appeal. One would think people would be happy and she would take her time leaving and then fly home to Seattle and get on with her life. Right? Maybe. What if- and I hope I am just paranoid about this- the prosecution decides to get a little 'payback' for losing the appeal. Understand this- that once Amanda is outside that appeals court free- what is to stop Mignini and the police from preventing her from leaving Italy. Outside that courtroom Mignini runs the show. He walks around like he is the Duke of Lasagna and no one seems to be able to stop him or is afraid to even try. It's pathetic. Yet it is possible in reality that something else could happen.

You know I would like to blame this all on Candace Dempsey because she is the one who got me thinking. She stated in a blog of her's a couple days ago that the prosecution in Italy can also appeal her not guilty verdict in the appeals and that she should get out of Italy as fast as she can. Damn you Candace- it's all your fault : ) Seriously this was a good heads up on Candace's part and it should not be taken lightly.  That is very true. There is also a slander charge pending against Amanda and they could use that as an excuse to keep her in jail, even though she wins her appeal. And please people- don't tell me I am giving the prosecution ideas- If they are going to do something they already have it planned out.

So- what are the options to protect Amanda when she gets out? Yes, I am assuming that she will win her appeal. One would think of the U S State Dept but they have been pretty worthless so far as this case has gone and all they say is- You are subject to the laws of the country you are in- But they will mail letters to your family- that's nice.

In all honesty I really would be amazed if Mignini and company would actually dual with Amanda again but I know it is possible- Hey, these people do not like to lose and this is the most important case on an international scale they will ever deal with- and they lost? I do not trust these people.

The only person I trust in this case is Judge Pratillo Hellmann, but what can he do outside his courtroom. Hopefully he can protect Amanda after she is acquitted. This I do not know. I am not up on the separation of powers in Italy. If he can protect her- I hope that he does and sees that she leaves Italy safely.

To Amanda's family I say- get her the hell out of there as quickly as possible- It's no joke. Who can trust these prosecutors and the Perugia police- Sorry but considering what has happened- who would? Make plans ahead of time and get out of there- just in case.

Well, I  would rather be called paranoid then have Amanda back in jail on some coup by the prosecution. Better safe than sorry. Who can dispute that considering all that has happened.  This nightmare will be over when Amanda wins her appeal and is back home in Seattle safe. It's not my fault that I had to bring this up- Candace did it- but she was right.

Amanda Knox Appeal: Myths and Lies Of the Amanda Knox Case

September 9, 2011
There is an old saying that goes: "It's not what you believe, it's why you believe it". Somethings are opinions while others are hard facts. As concerns the Amanda Knox case- there is still a large amount of misinformation (incorrect information) floating around even after most of it has been proved to be nonsense, it's still believed by some as fact. The reason for this post is simply because I want to point out to people new to this that you have to separate fact from fiction in order to understand the Amanda Knox case.

I am not going to give opinions here- just the facts. And I am going to point out some misinformation in this case that has been proven false. Most of this misinformation is circulated by those who believe Knox is guilty. Whether they actually believe the nonsense they spread is another question, but my purpose here is only to point out the lies and why they are lies. It seems that there are quite a few people out there who are confused by conflicting information, and are becoming quite frustrated.

Q. A lot of people say Knox is innocent now, if so, why was she convicted at her original trial?
A. Knox was set up to take a fall before her trial even started. Leaked misinformation from the prosecutor's office was obtained by the media. Here are some examples of this- Knox was falsely told that she was HIV positive while in jail and was told to make a list of all her lovers. Once given that information it 'somehow' became public knowledge. After this was spread about, Knox was then told that a mistake had been made and no she was not HIV positive (pretty low tactic huh?). Her private diaries were leaked to the press. Also 'leaked' to the press were false stories about bleach receipts- giving the false impression that the crime scene had been cleaned by Amanda with bleach. NO BLEACH RECEIPTS EXIST. These type of things were fuel for the media at the time which the jury at the original trial was reading on a daily basis- Girl Gone Wild, Satanic Orgies, Sex Crazed Girl Charged With Murder, Crime Scene Cleaned With Bleach, and on and on. Much of the news at that time was not based on fact, but it didn't matter- the whole idea was to make Amanda Knox look as bad as possible and sway public opinion against her- and it worked.
By the time the original trial started she had already been raked over the coals with the minds of the jury full of those ridiculous headlines. At the trial itself the prosecution presented a witness Antonio Curatolo (a park bum) who testified that he saw Knox and Raffaele near the scene of the crime at about the time of the murder. Since Knox's alibi was that she and Raffaele were at his house on the night of the murder and did not leave- this made Knox look like a liar and went against her alibi. The prosecution also put forth their DNA evidence - presenting a kitchen knife that was taken by police from Raffaele's house. It stated in court that this knife had Knox's DNA on the handle and the victim's DNA on the blade. The prosecution also stated that Raffaele's DNA was found on the victim's bra-clasp. Also the prosecution put forth in court that Amanda and Raffaele had 'staged' a break-in to make it look like someone had broken into the house through a window.
These were the major points that led to Knox and Raffaele being convicted. The judge at the time would not allow a retest of the DNA and simply believed the DNA to be solid evidence based on the word of the prosecution. The 'staged break-in' was sheer speculation without proof but the judge bought it anyway. So it was the DNA, no alibi, trying to fool the police with a staged break-in, and of course she was made to look like she was lying about everything. Again these were the major points along with some circumstantial and some other speculative 'evidence'. The jury found Amanda and Raffaele guilty of murder and sentenced Amanda to 26 years and Raffaele to 25 years.
That was then- this is now- and at the recent appeals of their conviction the DNA evidence has been judged unreliable- no blood found on the knife- the knife was not cleaned with bleach, and that the bra-clasp was most probably contaminated. These were the conclusions of the independent DNA experts appointed by the judge of the appeals court. In short they found that the collection and testing of the DNA was unacceptable and should not have been used in court. The appeals court also heard the testimony of the park bum Curatolo (the one who made Knox look like a liar with a phony alibi) who had recently been jailed for dealing heroin- this time around he made a complete fool of himself and couldn't even get the correct day of the murder right in addition to admitting he was under the influence of heroin at the time.
So the appeal has so far been the flip-side to the original trial with no hard evidence remaining against Amanda or Raffaele.

Now, as some people would point out, there were also other reasons she was convicted, but most of these 'other reasons' are not facts and some are outright lies, and yet others are of no consequence. Consider the following which some people still think are facts.

Crime scene cleaned with bleach bought by Amanda the next morning with bleach receipt to prove it.
False- There is no evidence that proves the scene was cleaned and there are no bleach receipts. The bleach myth is one example of the 'leaked' false information that circulated at the time of the original trial.

 It was proved during the original trial that Amanda and Raffaele staged a break-in to throw police off their trail.
False- There is no evidence that there was a 'staged break-in'. This is simply speculation without proof.

Here is one of my favorites- There was found at the crime scene mixed blood belonging to the victim and Amanda.
False- An outright lie, there was NO mixed blood found.

Bloody footprint on bath mat that belonged to Raffaele.
False- While there was a bloody footprint it did not belong to Raffaele.

There was found in the house mixed DNA of the victim and Amanda.
While this is true, it doesn't mean anything incriminating. Mixed DNA is a common occurrence of two or more people living in the same space and Amanda and Meredith (victim) lived in the same house and shared the same bathroom. Prosecutor Mignini presented this at the original trial like it was damning evidence when in fact it means nothing at all. Anyone who lives with someone else is going to have their DNA mixed with whoever they live with- This is a scientific/ forensic fact.

Amanda stole Meredith's money.
False- There never was any evidence pointing to that- and she was not convicted of that even at the original trial. Even the trial judge who convicted her of murder didn't think Amanda took the money.

Then there is Amanda's behavior after the murder- The cell phone fiasco- cartwheels- false confession, etc....All of which proves nothing. In short, the major issues as concerns the new appeals judge were the eye-witness Curatolo and the DNA evidence. That is all the judge wanted to go over because he knows the rest of it is foolishness, lies and speculation. So at this point- there is no eye witness and there is no credible DNA evidence either. There is nothing left to this case to prove guilt- Nothing. So when people try to tell you that even though there is no eye-witness or DNA anymore, but there is a lot of 'other stuff' that proves Amanda guilty- just say to them- Prove it!

 

Amanda Knox Appeal: Judge Hellmann Denies Prosecution's Request For Retest- All Looks Good For Knox

September 7, 2011- Judge Hellmann has just denied the prosecution's request for a second test of the DNA. This is great news for Knox supporters. The judge has set the next hearing for Sept 23rd for the closing of the appeal before the final verdict. It is a wonderful thing to see the flip-side of the original trial- which to me was a mockery of justice.

The original trial had turned my stomach and reminded me of the trial of Jeanne de Arc (Joan of Arc). No I am not comparing Saint Joan to Amanda, but that it was of similar circumstances- the verdict in advance of the evidence. A trial tainted and a rush to judgement. Thank God for a fair judge in this case. Hopefully the jury will see the truth and set Amanda and Raffaele free. I do believe that is what is going to happen. But unlike Comodi who thinks they will win and it is a shame- I think it is justice at last. And like I said before- the prosecution should get on their knees in church and beg God to forgive them for they have created evil rather than good by keeping innocents in prison for years.

I do believe that Amanda will go free now. No it is not official and I am getting ahead of things. But even prosecutor Comodi knows it is over- finally over. All that remains is it to be official and for Amanda and Raffaele to go free.

To Stephanie Kercher I say- the world feels your sorrow and knows that your sister's life was taken, but do not be mislead by what lawyers say- Amanda Knox did not kill your sister. The murderer is in jail and his name is Rudy Guede- You have your murderer but the shame of that is that he has only 16 years to do for the rape and murder of your sister. No longer hold your anger against Knox and Raffaele they are innocent of this. Hurting two innocent people for a crime they had nothing to do with will not bring  closure to this sadness. It troubles me that you think that justice will be done if Amanda stays in jail but do you not see that innocents can not pay the price for your sister's death? It was not that she was guilty one day but innocent the next- She was innocent to begin with. Your family has suffered a great loss and for that I am sorry as so many others feel as well. If you really want closure- open your heart and see that these two people who have been in prison for almost 4 years have also had their lives taken from them. Justice is at hand if Amanda and Raffaele go free. I hope you could accept this, if not, that only tells me that you do not know that facts of this case and should look beyond what your lawyer tells you. The truth is the truth- it is not always in the eye of the beholder- as if it were a matter of opinion. This appeals court was based on facts and in my way of thinking the innocent went down with the guilty. I mean no disrespect by saying these things to you- May you find peace, which is outside the scope of this trial. I hope your family finds insight into this, and does not hold the freedom of the defendants as murderers gone free but rather innocents released. Peace to you and your family.