As you’ve probably heard if you’ve seen the news within the last few hours, an Italian appeals court has overturned the murder conviction of Washington State native Amanda Knox, who along with Raffaele Sollecito, was found guilty by an Italian court of killing British exchange student Meredith Kercher in December 2009.
The appeals court threw out both convictions and ordered both Knox and Sollecito freed from prison. According to news reports, Knox has already collected her belongings and is now with her family. Lawyers for the family have indicated that they will be departing Italy tomorrow for the United States.
The media frenzy surrounding the acquittal appears to be just getting started. The story is already a hotly-discussed topic on social networks and cable television channels. It will likely dominate traditional news broadcasts tonight and the front pages of major newspapers tomorrow morning.
The appeals court did uphold a lower court’s conviction of Knox for defamation, but because she has already served four years in prison, the court ruled she was to go free. (The sentence for defamation would have been three years).
The White House has not issued a statement in response to the news (nor is it likely to), though Press Secretary Jay Carney may get asked about it tomorrow during his Tuesday press briefing. However, Senator Maria Cantwell has weighed in.
“I am glad that the appeals court gave Amanda the fair hearing that she deserves. All countries must live up to their international commitments to provide a fair trial by an impartial tribunal to those accused of crimes,” Cantwell said.
“Amanda’s parents, family and friends have been through an incredible ordeal. We are all thankful that she will be free to return to Seattle as soon as possible.”
The Guardian has a fairly in-depth story about what’s ahead for Amanda. She certainly won’t be able to return to the life she had before.
But at least she won’t be locked up overseas.
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