Two shareholders of the building firm Eternit went on trial for causing an environmental disaster and not taking proper safety measures. Allegedly, around 2,200 people died from handling asbestos in four of Eternit's plants without proper safety measures, and several hundred more became sick. Both shareholders have denied any wrongdoing in the case. If convicted they could face up to 12 years in prison.
See "Mass asbestos negligence trial opens in Italy", BBC News Online, December 10, 2009