Fallen press baron Conrad Black goes on trial this week in Chicago, insisting that charges of stealing $84 million in proceeds from his crumbling media empire represent the persecution of the powerful.
Jury selection begins today for what promises to be a lengthy and complex federal trial packed with financial details that could test even Lord Black's famously prodigious memory.
Lord Black (62), the scion of a wealthy Montreal brewer, bought up hundreds of Canadian and US newspapers and magazines, creating one of the world's largest newspaper publishers that had $2 billion in revenue at its peak in 1999.
He renounced his Canadian citizenship in 2001 to become Lord Black of Crossharbour, an honour conferred on owners of the Daily Telegraphin London - once his empire's jewel.
If convicted on fraud, racketeering and other charges, Lord Black could spend the rest of his life in prison.
He has called the charges "a smear job" and cast himself as a "freedom fighter" intent on exposing his accusers.
Three other defendants on trial in the case are Lord Black's former deputies, corporate attorneys Mark Kipnis and Peter Atkinson and accountant John Boultbee. All are accused of looting Chicago-based media company Hollinger International Inc.