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Schettino back in court over Concordia crash

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Schettino back in court over Concordia crash
Francesco Schettino claims he is a scapegoat and has been unfairly targeted by prosecutors. Photo: Filippo Monteforte/AFP

Costa Concordia captain Francesco Schettino returns to court on Monday, where he faces manslaughter charges over the cruise ship sinking that killed 32 people, weeks after teaching students in Rome about emergency procedures.

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Schettino will appear in the courtroom in Grosseto, Tuscany, where he has been charged over the deaths of 32 people on board the ship when it sank in January 2012.

Passengers, other civilians and technical consultants will also testify in court today and tomorrow, Ansa reported.

The Costa Concordia captain has long-since denied the charges, claiming he is a scapegoat and has been unfairly targeted by prosecutors.

Despite facing up to 20 years in prison for manslaughter, Schettino earlier this summer lectured students about best emergency procedures. His appearance at Rome’s La Sapienza university was described as “disconcerting” by Education Minister Stefania Giannini.

READ MORE: Outrage as Concordia skipper gives safety talk

Dubbed “Captain Coward” by the Italian press for allegedly abandoning ship while passengers were still on board, he sparked further controversy in July when he reportedly partied as preparations were made to tow the Costa Concordia.

After more than two years resting off the coast of Giglio, Tuscany, the cruise ship was taken to Genoa where it will be scrapped.

READ MORE: 'Captain Coward' parties as shipwreck is moved

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