THE APPEAL OF CONVICTED MURDERER Amanda Knox has opened in Perugia, Italy.

Knox is currently serving a 26-year sentence for the murder of British student Meredith Kercher in Perugia in 2007.

Knox’s family told the AFP that they feel she has a “very good case”, but expressed concern for her health.

Originally from Seattle in the US, Knox was convicted last year of killing her former roommate Kercher in what prosecutors described as a drug-fuelled sexual assault.

Knox’s former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito is jointly appealing his 25 year sentence for the killing. They both denied killing Kercher.

Defence lawyers for both parties are seeking a full review of the forensic evidence, claiming that DNA evidence found on the knife allegedly used to stab Kercher was inconclusive, Businessweek reports.

Prosecutors have indicated they will seek life sentences to be imposed on both Knox and Sollecito if their appeals are unsuccessful.

Knox is due to appear in court again for the next hearing on 11 December, and the outcome of the trial is expected to be reached next year.

She faces a separate trial for slander in May after alleging that police beat her when they questioned her after the murder.

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