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Court clears Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito of murder

Italy's highest court has overturned the murder conviction of Amanda Knox and her former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito and ordered them to be acquitted of the murder of British student Meredith Kercher.

Ms Kercher, a 21-year-old from Coulsdon, Surrey, was sexually assaulted and stabbed to death in her bedroom in 2007 while studying in Perugia, Italy.

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Amanda Knox 'tremendously relieved' at murder acquittal

Amanda Knox has said she is "tremendously relieved" after being finally acquitted of the 2007 murder of her former British roommate Meredith Kercher.

Amanda Knox, seen during an interview in 2014. Credit: REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

The American student issued a statement after learning of Italy's top court's decision to overturn a lower court's guilty verdict handed down last year.

I am tremendously relieved and grateful for the decision of the Supreme Court of Italy. The knowledge of my innocence has given me strength in the darkest times of this ordeal. And throughout this ordeal, I have received invaluable support from family, friends, and strangers. To them, I say: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness has sustained me. I only wish that I could thank each and every one of you in person.

– Amanda Knox

Her family also issued a statement thanking people for support during the lengthy legal battle.

We want to express our profound gratitude to all of those who have supported Amanda and our family. Countless people – from world-renowned DNA experts, to former FBI agents, to everyday citizens committed to justice – have spoken about her innocence. We are thrilled with and grateful for today’s decision from the Supreme Court of Italy. And we are grateful beyond measure for all that so many of you have done for her.

– Amanda Knox's family

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