Knox accused of slandering Italian police

[June 01, 2010]  PERUGIA, Italy (AP) -- Amanda Knox has appeared in court for the first time since her murder conviction to face slander charges for saying she was beaten during questioning over the death of her roommate.

The 22-year-old American sported a shorter haircut and a yellow T-shirt in Tuesday's preliminary hearing behind closed doors.

Knox has said she was beaten by police during questioning over the 2007 slaying of Meredith Kercher in Perugia. Police have denied misconduct and filed charges saying Knox's comments were slanderous.

Knox was sentenced to 26 years in jail. Her ex-boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, was also convicted and sentenced to 25 years. A third person, Ivorian Rudy Hermann Guede, was sentenced to 16 years.

All are appealing.

[Associated Press]

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