In our current situation, would that this basic protection of man against state even be applied consistently and forcefully.

Even so, I hold that the presumption is fundamentally lacking so long as it is not attached to another, very important consideration. And so, I rephrase:

Let no person be held guilty until proven innocent, except insofar as when that person is a privileged actor of state (or other similarly socially privileged group), they shall not enjoy such presumption.

The Last Jew in Vinnitsa

Photo via Distributed Republic.

I hold that none of the uniformed men in this photo should have ever enjoyed a presumption of innocence.

I might not gun them all down myself. I might not assist in doing so. But I decidedly would oppose anyone who aimed to get in the way of that happening.