Scientists go on trial over 2009 earthquake

A group of Italian scientists went on trial Tuesday for failing to predict an earthquake that killed more than 300 people in central Italy in 2009 despite signs of increased seismic activity in the area. The seven defendants — six scientists and one government official — are accused of manslaughter in a case that some see as an unfair indictment of science. Prosecutors say residents around the city of L’Aquila in the mountainous Abruzzo region should have been warned to flee their homes in the days before the quake. The injured parties are asking for $68 million in damages. The experts are accused of giving overly reassuring information to residents.