The captain of the cruise ship Costa Concordia, which sank off the coast of Italy last year, killing 32 people, will stand trial for multiple manslaughter charges, the Italian court ruled on Wednesday. 

The accident caused the withdrawal, during the night, more than 4,000 passengers and crew of the ship 290 feet long, still resting on rocks on the harbor. Captain Francesco Schettino left the ship before all passengers and crew were on land.

A judge of the Tuscan city of Grosseto decided that Schettino will be tried on charges of multiple manslaughter and abandoning ship, among others. The first hearing is scheduled for July 9, told Schettino's lawyer, Francesco Pepe. If found guilty, Schettino could face up to 20 years in prison.

Last month, the prosecutor rejected an offer according to the confession of Schettino, but accepted another five employees, including four ship's officers and crisis coordinator of the company that owns the ship, Costa Cruises.