Knox's Parents Face Years in Italian Jail

Amanda Knox's mom takes her own turn in an Italian court today in a preliminary hearing that will determine if, along with Knox's father, she'll face years in prison for repeating their daughter's claim that she was mistreated by police. Twelve police officers—represented by the same lawyer who represented the family of Meredith Kercher during Knox's murder trial—have lodged defamation charges against Curt Knox and Edda Mellas as well as against Knox herself, the Daily Beast reports.

Knox testified during her trail that she had been hit in the back of the head by a police officer during questioning. She was unable to identify the officer in court. Knox's parents will face a fine plus up to 3 years in prison each if convicted, while Knox stands to have another 6 years added to her 26-year murder sentence. The police have been forced to go to court to "protect their good name,” their lawyers says, adding that the case is to “bring closure to the topic of police brutality." (Click here for more on Amanda Knox...like why one mafioso claims she's innocent).