The woman who retracted her rape story has done a severe disservice to herself, rape victims and the community.
Had an innocent man fitting her description been found in the area, he would have been arrested and shamed in front of his family and the community. His life would be forever altered. Even following her retraction, he would have faced suspicion from the community, damaging his reputation forever.
Even more damaging is that her selfish actions cast a shadow of doubt on true rape cases.
A heinous crime such as rape should not be a story told flippantly to the police, and she should face the most severe charges possible under the law. She should also be sentenced to community service helping victims of rape and violent crime.
David Hawman
senior-microbiology
