Murder appeal
September 24, 2011
As the appeal case of 24-year-old American student Amanda Knox drew to a close on Saturday, Italian prosecutors sought to increase her sentence to life in prison, Italy's harshest penalty, for the murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher.
In their final arguments they also sought the same sentence for the co-accused in the case, Knox's ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, 27.
Knox was previously sentenced to 26 years in prison and Sollecito to 25 years for the 2007 murder of the British exchange student.
Kercher was found dead in the apartment the two shared in the Italian town of Perugia after being killed in what prosecutors described as a drug-fueled sex game.
Doubts over evidence
The controversial case has drawn widespread media attention as Knox's defense lawyers continue to dispute forensic evidence.
Independent forensic experts cast doubts on the validity of DNA evidence used to convict the pair in June, saying it had been gathered without following proper scientific procedures.
But prosecutors disregarded forensic concerns on Saturday.
Prosecutor Manuela Comodi insisted on the validity of DNA traces taken from the alleged murder weapon - a knife - and from Knox, Sollecito and the metal clasp from Kercher's bra.
She accused the forensic experts of "an embarrassing performance" describing them as "inadequate."
Defense lawyers are set to present closing arguments next week with the verdict expected in early October.
Author: Charlotte Chelsom-Pill (dpa, AFP, AP, Reuters)
Editor: Kyle James