Italy Begins Trial of U.S. Soldier in Iraq Shooting
By Associated Press | April 18, 2007
ROME — An American soldier went on trial in absentia yesterday for the shooting death of an Italian intelligence agent at a checkpoint in Iraq two years ago, a case that strained relations between Rome and Washington.
The judge immediately adjourned the proceedings against Specialist Mario Lozano, 37, until May 14 for technical reasons.
The agent, Nicola Calipari, was shot March 4, 2005, on his way to the Baghdad airport shortly after securing the release of a kidnapped Italian journalist, Giuliana Sgrena. Ms. Sgrena and another agent who was driving the car were wounded. Specialist Lozano was indicted in February on charges of murder and attempted murder.
