Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 12/7/09
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U.S. Senator Mary Cantwell is urging Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to help American college student Amanda Knox, who was convicted of murdering her study abroad roommate in Italy and sentenced to 26 years in prison. Senator Cantwell, who represents Knox’s home state, has issued a statement saying she has profound concerns that Knox has been failed by the Italian justice system.
Also tonight: science, skepticism and allegations of conspiracy. World leaders have gathered in Copenhagen for the United Nations climate summit but leaked emails from an internationally-renowned climate research unit are threatening to overshadow the talks.
Want to know what else we're covering? Read EVENING BUZZ
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@Nancy
"Why are Italians anti-American?"
Can you expand on this?
If U.S. officials had been closely monitoring this trial and they had seen anything wrong with it they would have spoken up sooner.
A combo of Kercher blood + Amanda DNA was supposedly found in a 3rd roommate's bedroom. Are the experts for Knox disputing this evidence?
I don't see how any legal expert could say that Amanda Knox would have been convicted in the U.S. with that evidence. What evidence. The DNA on the knife was minute and could have come from making dinner, not killing someone. The knife also didn't match wounds on the body. It is not fair that the defense couldn't have expert testimony, allow evidence in the courtroom. You and Lisa Bloom talk about our legal system and the unfortunate people over in our country, yes they need help too, but that is not relative to whether or not Amanda got a fair trial. It is our governments job to ensure Americans receive a fair trial even if abroad. Stop being so opinionated and bias. I cannot believe I'm hearing this out of you Anderson! You are usually a lot more reasonable and not so opinionated.
Good evening Anderson, Erica, Isabel, everyone. It's good to see a US Senator from Amanda Knox's home state making sure Amanda Knox is getting a fair trial in Italy. Given the titillating coverage the case has received, I immediately wonder bias has influenced the court. Also she's complained about being abused when in police custody. The case screams for an appeal.
Why did Amanda & Raffale turn off their cell phones at the same time? Amanda had already been told she did not need to come to work.
I have been following the Amanda Knox story and was saddened by the verdict – but would I feel the same way if she was convicted in the US? I think not...
I'm not so sure if Amanda Knox is totally innocent. I feel sorry for her parents.
Is no-one in the US prepared to consider the fact that Amanda may be guilty? Do her contradictory statements and unusual behavior not bother you?
Surely if she just spoke the truth then there would be only one story.
Why were there 3 sets of footprints in blood found (some with luminol)? Not all were Guede and some were barefoot.
Its time to step in America.
did amanda ever take a lie detector test?
No legitimate evidence links Amanda Knox to the crime scene and she is innocent.
for being an American?! oh give me a break .. isnt her ex Italian and he got the same sentence
Is there a legal defense fund set up for Amanda and her family?
There is a solid conviction in the case! There is no chance that there was a "sexual escapade" in that room without any DNA! Lets get real! Shes innocent...
The point being brought up about people in the United States being convicted on the same amount of evidence is a good one, but it shouldn't lessen people's questions about the Amanda Knox case. The fact is that the people who are wrongly convicted on little to no evidence in the States is bad, but we aren't made aware of it. This case got a lot more attention. That doesn't mean we shouldn't question it because we don't question those cases in America.
I find it very difficult to believe that the Italian government conspired to convict Knox just out of hatred for Americans. Something weird had to have happened in her room – the whole deviant sex story is too weird to make up out of thin air.. I don't know if she killed her roommate, but she certainly couldn't have been a normal teenager minding her own business and studying hard.
I don't think we should readily assume she is innocent.
The US should not get involved in Amanda Knox's case, there is no evidence that her trial was not fair. It was different but I believe it was fair.
Why are Italians anti-American?
Someone should ask Barbie Nadeau how Amanda was amazingly able to clean up every bit of evidence from the murderroom after supposedly stabbing someone! It is impossible.
Difficult question: if I believe in the innocence of Amanda?
I do not know!
The defense always says there is something wrong with the DNA evidence or the chain of custody of the evidence. It's a typical argument. .
@Emily right on...
Amanda Knox has a better chance during her appeal when she can put forth more of her evidence!
I'm skeptical as to whether the Sec. of State should be involved in any way with Knox case.
It is a question of law. We cannot and should not try to dismiss Italy's legal system.
It sounds like the appeals system is a bit more level than the trial was. Under appeal the facts will hopefully be reviewed (or lack of facts) will clarify Ms. Knox's status.
Do you think that an American woman could get a fair trial in Italy?
ive been to italy numerous times i have relatives there know for a fact the italians are very ANTI-AMERICAN (most of them)
she did not get a fair trial feel so sorry for her and her family
I think all the attention is making things worst.
Good Evening Everyone 😉
So does this mean Amanda's rights in American cannot be used in Italy?
I am interested in the seeming reversal of process in Italy and how the appeal works and how it will go.
@tompan,
Amanda got the Same treatment that Any Italian would get, just like her BF!
People must stop thinking like it's the American system!
It's not helping!
The smiles of Amanda during their appearances in court were perhaps due the hope that she would be cleared. Sentenced to 26 years in prison, she was faced with the harsh reality.
Joanne, being aware of a legal system is not quite enough. Public pressure can be brought to bear, however.
If an American citizen is imprisioned in another country and there is even a slight possiblity that they are being held unfairly or did not receive a fair trial it is our government's responsibility to get involved!!!
Good Evening Anderson – a short comment. Is the Amanda Knox issue something that the Sec of State should be getting involved with? If the US govt needs to be involved, isn't this the jurisdiction of the Attorney General?
Bob in Atlanta
Aloha
Will the upcoming law suit against the prosecutor have any affect on Amanda Knox's appeal case ?
Good Question Anderson!
"You don't think that Amanda got a fair trial?"
the answer reflects the American judicial system, not another country's!
You have to respect another country's legal system!
Hello, everyone! Happy Monday from the cold and snowy Chicago!
The trouble with the people in the United States is that they think they can lead the world around by the nose. If we expect other western countries to respect our justice system we need to respect theirs.
Americans that travel to foreign countries should make themselves aware of that country's legal system.
It's just unbelievable that Amanda Knox's trial is seen as being fair in Italy. We need our lawmakers to intervene.
There is always lots of controversy in the News.
If she is is guilty Italy sure did screw up the Case then....no physical evidence?
Good evening Anderson, Erica, & entire Team 360.
Good evening fellow bloggers
Good Monday to all.
@Anderson
How is the appeal in Italy? How long will it take? What are the real possibilities?
Hello Anderson, Erica and 360
Hey, everyone: Anderson, Erica, David ((Indiana), friends and 360 team!
Happy Monday!!!!
Good evening Anderson, Erica, Megan, Martina & Bloggers!
Hope that you all enjoyed your weeekend!
Looking forward to hearing about the Knox story and the Italian Legal System!
Good evening Anderson and all bloggers. Happy Monday. Lots of controversy in the news.