A total of 26 US citizens went on trial in absentia in Milan today accused of carrying out one of Washington's most controversial policies in its war on terrorism.
The US citizens, almost all believed to be CIA agents, have been charged with kidnapping a Muslim in Milan in 2003 who was on Washington's list of terrorist suspects and flying him to Egypt where he says he was tortured under interrogation.
Italian spies, including the former head of Italy's SISMI intelligence agency, are accused of helping the US citizens carry out the so-called extraordinary rendition.
SISMI agent Luciano di Gregan
As expected, none of the Americans turned up in court for the trial, which comes only hours before President Bush arrives in Italy, and only one Italian agent was present.
"I have been doing this job for 33 years, I have always done it with my head held high and in the full light of day," SISMI agent Luciano di Gregori said at the courthouse. "I have nothing to hide."
Washington has said it will reject any request by Italy to extradite the accused.
Prosecutor Armando Spataro said the case was important because it would show the need to fight against terrorism with "the full respect of the laws of our Western democracies.
"We want the punishment of the terrorists, but in the courtrooms. And we don't need to give to our enemies any reason for recruiting other members of their organisations," he said.