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US soldier in Italy murder trial US soldier in Italy murder trial
(about 4 hours later)
A US soldier is due to be tried in a Rome court with the murder of an Italian intelligence agent in Iraq in March 2005. A US soldier is due to be tried in a Rome court charged with the murder of an Italian intelligence agent in Iraq in March 2005.
The soldier, Mario Lozano of the 69th Infantry Regiment, is not expected to attend the trial but in Italy the defendant can be tried in absentia.The soldier, Mario Lozano of the 69th Infantry Regiment, is not expected to attend the trial but in Italy the defendant can be tried in absentia.
The agent, Nicola Calipari, was shot dead on his way to Baghdad airport.The agent, Nicola Calipari, was shot dead on his way to Baghdad airport.
He was escorting Giuliana Sgrena, an Italian journalist who had just been freed by kidnappers.He was escorting Giuliana Sgrena, an Italian journalist who had just been freed by kidnappers.
'Kill line''Kill line'
As the car approached a road block, US soldiers opened fire.As the car approached a road block, US soldiers opened fire.
DIFFERING ACCOUNTS US military: Car approaches checkpoint at high speed Troops attempt to tell driver to stop with arm signals, lights and warning shotsSoldiers shoot into engine
Italian government: No warning signs to motorists about impending checkpoint Car not speeding and did not accelerate after warning shotsProper inquiry impossible because vehicles removed and army logs destroyed just after shooting Accounts in full Profile: Nicola Calipari		DIFFERING ACCOUNTS US military: Car approaches checkpoint at high speed Troops attempt to tell driver to stop with arm signals, lights and warning shotsSoldiers shoot into engine
Italian government: No warning signs to motorists about impending checkpoint Car not speeding and did not accelerate after warning shotsProper inquiry impossible because vehicles removed and army logs destroyed just after shooting Accounts in full Profile: Nicola Calipari
Calipari, who shielded the journalist during the shooting, was hailed a hero at home, awarded Italy's top bravery award and given a state funeral attended by tens of thousands.Calipari, who shielded the journalist during the shooting, was hailed a hero at home, awarded Italy's top bravery award and given a state funeral attended by tens of thousands.
But the two countries drew very different conclusions over what had happened.But the two countries drew very different conclusions over what had happened.
The US military said the vehicle was travelling too fast, alarming soldiers, who feared it was an insurgent attack.The US military said the vehicle was travelling too fast, alarming soldiers, who feared it was an insurgent attack.
Italian officials claimed the car was travelling at normal speed and accused the US military of failing to signal there was a checkpoint.Italian officials claimed the car was travelling at normal speed and accused the US military of failing to signal there was a checkpoint.
Mario Lozano, who both countries agree fired the fatal shots, will stand trial for murder and two counts of attempted murder.Mario Lozano, who both countries agree fired the fatal shots, will stand trial for murder and two counts of attempted murder.
He has told newspapers he had little choice but to open fire.He has told newspapers he had little choice but to open fire.
Explaining the rules of an engagement at a roadblock, he said: "You have a warning line, you have a danger line, and you have a kill line."Explaining the rules of an engagement at a roadblock, he said: "You have a warning line, you have a danger line, and you have a kill line."
The soldier said he flashed a spotlight at the vehicle as it approached, then fired warning shots, and then fired at the engine.The soldier said he flashed a spotlight at the vehicle as it approached, then fired warning shots, and then fired at the engine.
The soldier will plead not guilty and his lawyer says he expects his client to be acquitted.The soldier will plead not guilty and his lawyer says he expects his client to be acquitted.