American student proclaims innocence in Kercher murder

An American student suspected in last year’s killing of her British flatmate Meredith Kercher proclaimed her innocence again today during a hearing in Perugia to decide if she must face trial.

Amanda Knox said “buon giorno,” Italian for good morning, then asked permission during the closed-door hearing to make a declaration in English, the Italian news agencies ANSA and Apcom reported from Perugia.

In remarks that were translated into Italian, she told the court, “I am innocent,” the reports said.

Sky TG24 TV, without citing sources, said Knox cried as she spoke, and contended she had been pressured by police during interrogations.

Lawyers for Knox and for other suspects were in the courtroom.

Italian TV showed a brief, partial view of Knox, a 21-year-old student from the University of Washington, as she given a microphone to address the court. Only her hands, busily gesticulating as she addressed the court, could be seen. There was no audio.

The session is the latest hearing to determine if Knox and her former Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, should stand trial for the slaying of Meredith Kercher, whose body was found in her bedroom in a pool of blood. The killing took place last November in Perugia, a university town that attracts many foreigners.

A third suspect, Rudy Hermann Guede, from the Ivory Coast, is being tried, at his lawyers’ request, in a fast-track trial attached to the same court proceedings.

All three suspects have repeatedly denied wrongdoing in Ms Kercher’s killing.

Guede has acknowledged being in Kercher’s room the night of the murder. A fast track trial, in which fewer witnesses are called, can bring a shorter sentence.

Italian state radio said prosecutors were expected to wrap up arguments on Monday and request an indictment of Knox and Sollecito and the conviction of Guede. Rulings are expected later this month.

Knox and Sollecito have been jailed as suspects since shortly after the slaying. Under Italian law, they can be jailed for as long as a year during the investigation.

Knox and Sollecito, 24, have given conflicting statements.

Sollecito has said he was at his own apartment in Perugia. He said he does not remember if Knox spent the whole night with him.

Knox has insisted she was not at home during the slaying. But one point, she also told prosecutors she was in the house the night of the slaying and covered her ears to muffle Ms Kercher’s screams while a Congolese man who owns a pub in the town killed Ms Kercher. The Congolese man was initially jailed, but authorities released him, saying he was no longer a suspect.