Amanda Knox has received an unfavorable ruling as Italy’s highest court upheld her slander conviction in a case involving the 2007 murder of her British flatmate, Meredith Kercher. Knox, who was previously acquitted of murder charges, now faces the aftermath of her accusation against Congolese bar owner Patrick Lumumba, claiming he was responsible for Kercher’s death. This decision, made on a Thursday court session, signifies the culmination of nearly two decades of legal struggles surrounding the tragic events.

Knox's slander conviction stems from her statements made under duress during her police interrogation, during which she reportedly named Lumumba as a suspect. He was subsequently jailed for two weeks before being released due to a lack of evidence. Lumumba remained vocally supportive of the court's decision, stating, “I am very satisfied. Amanda did wrong, this sentence must accompany her for the rest of her life,” as he held firm to his assertion of injustice due to Knox's accusations.

Despite her slander conviction being upheld, Knox, now 37, will not serve additional jail time for this ruling as she has already completed nearly four years in confinement for the initial murder investigation. However, the psychological toll remains evident as she described her experience, stating, “Living with a false conviction is horrific, personally, psychologically, emotionally.” Knox maintains that she was coerced into her false accusations and has sought to clear her name entirely.

Lawyers for Knox expressed their disbelief at the court's ruling, labeling it as unjust and unexpected. They cite prior judgments, including a 2023 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that flagged violations of her rights during the interrogation process. Knox's legal team indicated they would assess their options following this recent ruling, as she continues her fight for justice.

Having returned to her home in the United States, Knox has taken an active role in advocacy for those wrongfully convicted and plans to release a memoir titled “Free: My Search for Meaning,” detailing her tumultuous journey. The case of Knox and its extensive media coverage have left an indelible mark on public perception, often provoking debates about the integrity of the legal system.

For more details on this ongoing story, refer to the full articles from AP News, Reuters, The Independent, CNN, South China Morning Post, and The Daily Beast.