Schettino trial postponed because of lawyers’ strike

JULY 9, 2013 — The trial of Costa Concordia Captain Francesco Schettino, 52, opened today in Grosseto, Italy, where it is being held in a theater rather than the small court room. It was quickly postponed for a week by the judge because of an eight day, nationwide strike by Italian lawyers.

BBC footage shows Schettino headed for court

Captain Schettino faces charges of multiple manslaughter and abandoning ship.

Thirty-two people died when the cruise ship hit rocks off the Tuscan island of Giglio in January 2012 and then tipped onto its side.

Captain Schettino is the sole defendant in the trial. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.