Scientists go on trial over L’Aquila earthquake

BBC Newsnight : Defending themselves in an Italian courtroom this week are six scientists and one official, who are charged with manslaughter for failing to predict the 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck L’Aquila in 2009. Members of the prosecution claim they are not putting science on trial; rather, they are questioning whether the seven individuals, who together constitute Italy’s Commission of Grand Risks, did their jobs properly: whether they weighed all the risks and communicated them clearly to authorities. More than 5000 scientists worldwide have signed a letter protesting the trial, saying authorities should focus instead on earthquake protection and enforcing building codes.