Missouri, USA: Following the release of a 43-year-old innocent man in a US prison, the public launched a sympathetic campaign in his name, which has so far raised 900,000, equivalent to 170 million Pakistani rupees.
Kevin Strickland is now 62 years old and was held in a prison in Cameron, Missouri. In 1979, he was charged with three counts of murder. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison. But throughout that time, Kevin has repeatedly said he is innocent and has not pleaded guilty.
Two days ago, a U.S. judge acquitted him of all charges and honorably acquitted him, saying it was the longest prison term in the history of the state of Missouri. An organization called GoFundMe, an internet donation website, has asked for donations, and more than 900,000 has been raised so far.
Donors have expressed sympathy for Kevin and wished him a better life. By Thursday morning alone, 800,000 had been raised, while the target was 7.5 million. Surprisingly, he has not yet received any financial support from the prison administration. People generously submitted donations and one person deposited anonymous amount of eight thousand dollars!
In 36 U.S. states, including Washington, D.C., there is a law to compensate those convicted of wrongdoing. This includes a minimum of 50,000 for a year's imprisonment and other fines.
After his release, Kevin said he would visit the grave of his mother, who died in captivity. He said he would shed tears at the grave to prove his mother's innocence.
