Just in. Wow, this is a surprising verdict… 

Story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20025626

This will put a chill on all sorts of forecasts where life and property are at risk.

Given this precedent, it likely puts an end to the science of earthquake forecasting…at least publicly.

But that’s a catch-22 also. If a scientist suspects a quake based on his measurements and experience, and says nothing about it for fear of retribution, does that make the scientist also guilty of manslaughter?

UPDATE: Roger Pielke Jr. supplies some background on the issue here