Hers was one of the most celebrated and controversial cases in 2005, to many it was known as the Subic Rape Case. Suzette Nicolas then known only as “Nicole” has charged Lance Corporal Daniel Smith and three other US marines of rape in Subic Bay Freeport on November 1, 2005. Only Smith was found guilty of rape and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Though convicted, Smith was detained and is still in the custody of the US Embassy which has put the Philippine government under fire for its failure to transfer him in a Philippine jail. This also made the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) under much scrutiny.
Nicole with her legal counsel continues their appeal and is waiting for full justice to be served. She really wanted to see Smith inside a Philippine jail, until the latest “twist” happened.
The shocking news jolted the people who are following the case of Nicole. To much disbelief of the nation, Nicole issued a "sworn statement" in which she recanted and effectively cleared Smith of raping her, before leaving for the United States. She also terminated the service of her legal counsel who fought with her all through out her rape case.
Mix reaction spewed surrounding this development. What could have made her do this incredible move? Most of the people who earlier sympathized with her are very angry and disgusted by her sudden recantation. But some government officials and non-government organizations believed that extreme pressure may have been applied on her for her to retract her previous statements against Smith thus putting herself at risk of possible charges like perjury.
In my opinion, she may have her reasons and she's got a right to privacy, but for whatever its worth she undeniably has put the country and the Filipinas in a bad light. Some Pinoys don’t even want to mention her name or see her face on TV now. Because much has been wasted during her rape trial. I was adamant at first if I will post something about her, if this is really worth my time but I can’t help myself and so a space was provided. Nicole, if you think that you finally found your peace, I really hope so but it is only you who can convince yourself of that. But never the less, I truly believe that in life, “the truth will set you free”. It is very early to tell if there will be more statements that would be coming from her in the future but I doubt if many will still believe her, the least listen to her.
Nicole with her legal counsel continues their appeal and is waiting for full justice to be served. She really wanted to see Smith inside a Philippine jail, until the latest “twist” happened.
The shocking news jolted the people who are following the case of Nicole. To much disbelief of the nation, Nicole issued a "sworn statement" in which she recanted and effectively cleared Smith of raping her, before leaving for the United States. She also terminated the service of her legal counsel who fought with her all through out her rape case.
Mix reaction spewed surrounding this development. What could have made her do this incredible move? Most of the people who earlier sympathized with her are very angry and disgusted by her sudden recantation. But some government officials and non-government organizations believed that extreme pressure may have been applied on her for her to retract her previous statements against Smith thus putting herself at risk of possible charges like perjury.
In my opinion, she may have her reasons and she's got a right to privacy, but for whatever its worth she undeniably has put the country and the Filipinas in a bad light. Some Pinoys don’t even want to mention her name or see her face on TV now. Because much has been wasted during her rape trial. I was adamant at first if I will post something about her, if this is really worth my time but I can’t help myself and so a space was provided. Nicole, if you think that you finally found your peace, I really hope so but it is only you who can convince yourself of that. But never the less, I truly believe that in life, “the truth will set you free”. It is very early to tell if there will be more statements that would be coming from her in the future but I doubt if many will still believe her, the least listen to her.
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Good post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment!
Thanks for the compliment hope you drop by more often...have a nice day :)
ReplyDeletenow that she has recanted, let her spend an equal ammount of time in jail. Hopefully her alleged rapist will now sue her for all he can
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