PERUGIA, Italy - Today is not a holiday in Italy, so courtrooms are open there for the closing arguments in a couple of lesser-known cases against former University of Washington student Amanda Knox who is also on trial for murder.
While the criminal trial has gotten most of the focus in Italy, Knox is also battling two civil trials in the murder of her British roommate Meredith Kercher. She is being sued for defamation and damages.
In the United States civil trials come after the criminal trials, but in Italy they are all running simultaneously.
Lawyers are giving closing arguments in those trials today.
Kercher's family has filed a civil lawsuit for $33 million against anyone found guilty of the murder.
Knox and Rafaelle Sollecito are jointly charged with the sexual assault and murder of Kercher.
Knox is also charged with falsely implicating her former employer, Patrick Lumumba.
Lumumba was dragged from his home and spent two weeks in prison after police say Knox implicated him in the crime.
He was released due to lack of evidence, but Lumumba lost his nightclub, which remained part of the investigation even after he was released.
Now, he's filing a $740,000 civil suit against Knox for defamation of character.
Knox's defense says police coerced her into naming him.
Knox has denied any wrongdoing.
A verdict in the criminal case could come as soon as December 4.
To add a comment, please register or login.