Experts convicted for failing to issue earthquake warning

Seven scientists and experts have been sentenced to six years in jail for failing to give adequate warning of Italy’s deadly 2009 L’Aquila earthquake.

More than 300 people died in the quake in the centre of the country.

The defendants were all members of a national “Great Risks Commission”.

In Italy, convictions are not definitive until after an appeals trial, so it is unlikely any of them will face jail immediately.

Scientists worldwide had decried the trial as ridiculous, contending that science has no way to predict earthquakes.