Knox makes emotional address in Italy appeal

[December 11, 2010]  PERUGIA, Italy (AP) -- The American student convicted of murdering her British roommate in Italy in 2007 has said she is the innocent victim of an "enormous mistake."

Amanda Knox said Saturday in an emotional address to an appeals court that her life had been "broken" by three years in jail. She insists she is not the "dangerous, diabolical" person described by the prosecution.

Knox was convicted last year of sexually assaulting and murdering Meredith Kercher, and sentenced to 26 years in prison. She denies wrongdoing.

Knox was in tears as she said she thinks of Kercher as a dear friend she is "grateful and honored" to have met.

Also on trial is Raffaele Sollecito, Knox's ex-boyfriend, who was sentenced to 25 years.

[Associated Press]

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