On Facebook, Sicilian Mafia Is a Hot Topic

ROME — Your college roommate is on Facebook. So are your cousins and colleagues and friends. But guess who else may find Facebook a great way to stay in touch?

Some people in Sicily who know a few things about networking.

In recent weeks, the Italian authorities have begun investigating Facebook discussion groups devoted to convicted Mafiosi, concerned that some members might be more than fans.

At the same time, a campaign calling on Facebook to remove pro-Mafia pages has been gaining momentum, while thousands of Facebook members have joined new anti-Mafia groups. Continued

Murder Trial Begins in Perugia, Italy

The trial in Perugia, Italy has opened for the American college student, Amanda Knox, 21 and her former Italian boyfriend, Rafaelle Sollecito, 24. They are accused of murdering and sexually assaulting Ms. Knox's housemate, Meredith Kercher. Prosecutors contend that the pair, and a third defendant who has already been convicted, killed Ms. Kercher in 2007 when a drug-fueled sex game went bad. Contined