These things are always political in the sense that prosecutors are either elected or beholden to politicians. Their job is to deliver convictions, not justice. The police operate by the same standard, judges as well. Their victims are usually societies losers, so everyone applauds putting the criminals behind bars.
What has changed, at least in my view, is that this attitude and behavior has moved beyond the poor wretches such as these and now targets anyone who disagrees with or threatens the political power machine. Both parties endorse what is going on.
i guess you are if the Free Mumia persuasion