Prosecution seeks jail time for Italian earthquake experts

Science : Prison terms of four years are being sought for the Italian earthquake experts currently on trial for the advice they gave prior to the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake. Six scientists and one official, who served on Italy’s National Commission for the Forecast and Prevention of Major Risks, are accused of “having carried out a superficial risk analysis and of having provided the townsfolk with a false sense of security a week before the quake struck,” writes Edwin Cartlidge for Science. The 6.3-magnitude quake killed some 300 people and injured approximately 1500 more. The prosecution has argued that some of the victims were persuaded to stay indoors by statements issued by the commission.