Italian scientists acquitted in L’Aquila earthquake case

Science : The six scientists on trial for manslaughter after the 2009 earthquake in L’Aquila, Italy, have now been acquitted by the Supreme Court of Cassation in Rome. The legal proceedings, involving investigations, trials, and appeals, have lasted some five years. The case centered on charges that the scientists, as part of a panel of earthquake experts, failed to adequately warn residents of the danger posed by a series of small tremors that had preceded the magnitude 6.3 quake, which ended up killing more than 300 people. However, the conviction of a seventh defendant, Bernardo De Bernardinis, has been upheld. It was alleged that comments made by De Bernardinis, who was deputy head of Italy’s civil protection department at that time and also served on the advisory panel, persuaded residents that it was safe to remain indoors during the quake.