>>213787252 (OP)no the shot is a final reminder of how suspicions and rumors in a tight knit community are more important than anything the state or government decides.
he was declared innocent, and the film depicts him as such to my recollection. but the sting has been done, he will never be able to overcome peoples natural instincts and suspicions. and even if in the movie that is misplaced, its still a healthy reaction in general to people doing stuff you should distrust and stamp out.