1
Pinterest
Amanda Knox Retrial Opens in Italy Over Slander Conviction
Accusation Against Bar Owner
New Trial Ordered After Appeal
The Italian Supreme Court has ordered a retrial for Amanda Knox, an American woman who was convicted of slander in 2009 for wrongly accusing a bar owner of involvement in the murder of Meredith Kercher, her roommate while studying abroad in Italy. Knox has appealed the conviction, and the retrial began on October 13, 2023.
In 2007, Knox and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were convicted of killing Kercher. Knox was sentenced to 26 years in prison, while Sollecito received a 25-year sentence. Both denied any involvement in the murder, and their convictions were eventually overturned in 2011.
In 2009, Knox was convicted of slander for accusing Diya "Patrick" Lumumba, the owner of the bar where she worked, of involvement in Kercher's murder. Knox recanted the claim hours later, but she was still found guilty of defamation and sentenced to three years in prison. That conviction was later reduced to two years on appeal.
During the retrial, prosecutors argued that Knox lied during an angry outburst when she accused Lumumba of involvement in Kercher's murder. Lawyers for Knox countered that she was under extreme stress at the time and that her words should not be taken literally.
The retrial is expected to last several days, and the outcome is uncertain. If Knox is convicted again, she could face a prison sentence of up to two years.
Comments