If the people who conducted the investigation and prosecution had to pay it would be a fair decision. As it is they probably have profited from the “conviction” and are going to go free with their gains.
Basically anyone IDed as a perp by a victim in a rape case is doomed. Doesn't necessarily mean prosecutorial malfeasance, but in many cases it is - they'll subtly encourage a witness to pick SOMEBODY out of a lineup or mugbook, and then after that egg them on to become certain of their identification because they want to close the case.
Enough of the general public is completely ignorant of the fact that eyewitness testimony, given in good faith, can be horrendously wrong, that there are lots of guys like this poor guy.
It’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to put somebody away, anybody, during an election year and to hell with innocence! The public loves a protector. Politicians have been doing it as long as there have been politicians! Look up McMasters Daycare Center.
The politicians never expect to get caught at it. Why do you think Nifong was in denial when the nation turned on him?
That said; I firmly believe that if someone is proven to KNOWINGLY falsely accuse or to suppress evidence that proves innocence they should be given the maximum penalty allowed for the crime accused, including death.
Please note that I stated proven to knowingly falsely accuse. I understand some people might bear an unfortunate resemblance to a criminal.