The Italian authorities is blaming six scientists and a government official for the deaths of more than 300 people in L'Aquila in 2009. The group has been charged with manslaughter for failing to adequately warn the public of the danger an earthquake caused in the region and has been sentenced to six years in prison.
The Italian government says that those charged are being sentenced due to negligence and malpractice in evaluating danger and keeping the central city informed of the risks. The accused are part of the National Commission for the Forecast and Prevention of Major Risks this according to Reuters.
Those who are accused are scientist Franco Barberi, Enzo Boschi, Guilio Selvaggi, Gian Michele Calvi, Claudio Eva, Mauro Dolce and government official Bernardo De Bernardis.
This case as angered those in the field such as the likes of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and Oxford University's Department of Earth Sciences.
Richard Walters of the England based organization said.
"The issue here is about miscommunication of science, and we should not be putting responsible scientist who gave measured, scientifically accurate information in prison," Walters also added. "This sets a very dangerous precedent and I fear it will discourage other scientists from offering their advice on natural hazards and trying to help in this way."
The American Geophysical Union also echoed similar sentiments saying that it deters scientist from working with governments.
L'Aquila was struck by an earthquake that registered 6.3 magnitude on the Richter scale on April.6, 2009 at 3:32 a.m. Government officials said that it injured 1000 people and killed 308.
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