It is quite a powerful thing to accuse someone of rape. To be convicted of it makes one a social pariah, to be accused of it is almost as bad. To be acquitted must be a relief but there is no doubt in my mind the accusation follows one around like an incurable disease.
So what of the accuser? Why are there no repercussions for a baseless unproven allegation? It seems those two minors and the latest accuser who cried rape walk away from the scene of their crime without having to pay the piper.
I have to question why Assistant Attorney General Brian Gallagher even bothered filing this case. “The jury deliberation took only five minutes, which showed that the complaint should not have been filed in court for prosecution” as stated by Chief Public Defender Adam Hardwicke.
It is quite obvious to me and those who deliberated this case that there was no evidence to support her claims of rape. Mr. Gallagher did a grave disservice to the people by bring forth this bogus complaint for both alleged victims and accused.
What I see is the justice system being abused and used by people who have ulterior motives and are looking for (and found) unwitting victims. I call upon the Legislature to right this wrong and sponsor a bill (just look on the Internet) that will provide incarceration and a hefty fine for those slinging false allegations of rape.
Woman need protection from rape but men should demand legal recourse if falsely accused.
ALAN J. ELDER
Kagman, Saipan
