Harvey Weinstein's conviction for sexual assault and rape, Monday, February 24, was hailed by the American press on Tuesday. She saw in this verdict against the film producer a significant step in the awareness created by the #metoo movement against harassment and sexual assault.
In his editorial of the day, the New york times notes that this conviction " who is long overdue Is explained by what he sees as a major development. The prosecution has indeed managed to cross " a barrier "Common to many similar cases," namely the absence of physical evidence or other corroborative evidence ". She has " also overcame another, even more fundamental, obstacle: distrust of women who report sexual assault ". Distrust " internalized By women, which explains the relatively low number of complaints filed, according to the daily.
"State limitation periods must be extended or eliminated"
" If a more balanced legal approach to sexual assault becomes the norm instead of the exception, then for starters the law must change ", Believes the New york times. " State limitation periods must be extended or eliminated to give victims the opportunity to come forward even years after a traumatic assault ”, he suggests:
"The competent authorities must let the women know that they will be listened to and that their cases will be pursued quickly and thoroughly. Victims must be assured that the DNA of their attacker will not be forgotten for decades at the bottom of a filing cabinet. "
" The #metoo movement allowed victims to be heard. The Weinstein verdict shows that they can be believed ", Believes for its part the Los Angeles Times. This verdict "Marks the beginning of a new era for survivors of sexual assault, an era I feared would not come "Says Melinda Henneberger of Kansas City Star, in a forum published by USA Today.
The Washington Post pays tribute to " the bravery of these women who came to tell their stories ". The daily says it hopes they will give the same force to other victims. He " also hopes that the sight of Mr. Weinstein, 67, immediately handcuffed and taken to jail awaiting conviction – and he risks up to twenty-nine – will have a deterrent effect on the next man who thinks he can use his power to assaulting and mistreating women in the workplace ".
"Just a case, just a man"
Other voices are more cautious. The Harvey Weinstein Decision " is not a sign that our systems and institutions have magically changed Said Sonia Ossorio, president of the section of the National Organization of Women in New York, present during most of the trial. " It's just a case, just a man. We have to keep this in perspective "She told the Associated Press agency.
Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, the two journalists from New york times originally, with Ronan Farrow, for the New yorker, revelations of the sexual assaults for which Harvey Weinstein was convicted, recalled that this case "Was not won in advance".
" Many of her accusers were preparing for an acquittal ", They added. " But by pushing the limits of prosecutions for sex crimes, Manhattan prosecutors have granted what many people consider a victory "For the #metoo movement," that Mr. Weinstein's actions had contributed to inflame ", They estimated.
Their work, already awarded a Pulitzer Prize, has shown that journalism can have a profound influence on the justice system by shedding light on the behavior of the powerful, according to the Columbia Journalism Review, which deals with media news. Like pointing out the injustices and the limits of this system itself.
