Scientists on trial: At fault?

In 2009, an earthquake devastated the Italian city of L'Aquila and killed more than 300 people. Now, scientists are on trial for manslaughter.

http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110914/ ... 7264a.html

Sounds to me like just another attempt at the blame game, and people denying responsibility for their own actions. The residents clearly were aware of the earthquake hazard, and what actions they should take.

It is impossible to say what the death toll would have been if the scientists had instead proclaimed high risk, even though they did not know that. But, it certainly would not have changed the damage caused by the quake.