1. Lack of Concrete Evidence: Many believed that Sacco and Vanzetti were innocent and that the prosecution's case against them was based on circumstantial evidence. Witnesses accounts and forensic evidence were inconsistent and raised doubts about their guilt.
2. Class and Ethnicity: Sacco and Vanzetti were both Italian immigrants and anarchists. Some argued that their convictions and death sentences were influenced by anti-immigrant and anti-anarchist sentiments prevalent at the time. The case became a symbol of the persecution of marginalized groups and class inequality.
3. Judicial Process Concerns: Critics argued that the trial was unfair and biased. The defense team faced difficulties in presenting their case, and some jurors admitted to being influenced by the defendants' ethnicity and political beliefs rather than the evidence.
4. International Attention and Support: The Sacco and Vanzetti case gained significant international attention, with intellectuals, artists, and activists from around the world denouncing their convictions and calling for their release. The widespread support for the defendants contributed to the controversy surrounding the case.
5. Long Appeals Process: The case went through several appeals and motions for new trials, which prolonged the legal proceedings and kept the controversy alive. The delay in resolving the case increased public scrutiny and pressure for justice.
6. Role of the Media: The media played a significant role in shaping public perception of the case. Some newspapers sensationalized the story, while others provided more balanced coverage, leading to differing narratives and interpretations of the events.
7. Symbolism and Legacy: The case became a symbol of social injustice, political oppression, and the fight for workers' rights. After their execution, Sacco and Vanzetti were celebrated as martyrs, and their legacy continues to inspire activists and movements advocating for social change and justice.
Overall, the combination of these factors contributed to the intense controversy surrounding the executions of Sacco and Vanzetti, making it one of the most well-known and debated cases in American history.