A defense lawyer for American student Amanda Knox has begun closing arguments in her appeal of a conviction she killed her roommate in Italy.

Knox has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for the 2007 murder of British student Meredith Kercher during alleged sex games that went wrong in Perugia.

Knox's then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito and a third defendant, Rudy Guede, are currently serving time following their convictions in the case.

Attorney Carlo Dalla Vedova told the Perugia court Thursday that Knox has been “crucified” in the court of public opinion.

Knox is expected to make a statement to the court later Thursday.

Once her lawyer has completed closing arguments, the prosecution will have a chance to respond.

A verdict in the case could come by Saturday.

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