U.S. soldier on trial in Italy for Iraq killing

[IChing]

Source: Reuters

ROME (Reuters) - A U.S. soldier went on trial in absentia in Italy on Tuesday accused of killing an Italian intelligence agent in Iraq, but his lawyer said his client would reject the court's jurisdiction. After preliminary motions, it was adjourned until May 14.

Mario Lozano, from the U.S. Army National Guard in New York, denies wrongdoing in firing at Nicola Calipari's car when the agent was escorting a newly freed hostage to Baghdad airport in 2005. He says the driver ignored warnings to slow down or stop.

The prosecution reacted with open disdain when Biffani claimed that his client had no formal knowledge of the case against him, especially following Lozano's recent interviews with U.S. media in which he defended his actions.

"This is a statement that we consider an insult to our intelligence," Coppi said.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSL1739792620070417?pageNumber=1

[Kagemusha]

1. The statement was intended to be an insult to our intelligence.

Because that's what the defendant in absentia believes is the respect due to the court.

I wonder who'll disagree.

(Edit: That probably comes off as too cold and cynical. However, it's a legitimate international law issue whether Italy has any jurisdiction that matters over an American serviceman here.)