11 ex-Pirelli managers convicted in Italian asbestos trial

MILAN (AP) — A Milan court has convicted 11 former Pirelli managers, including two former CEOs, on charges of manslaughter and gave them prison sentences for the deaths of about 20 workers who developed tumors or lung disease after being exposed to asbestos.

The news agency ANSA said Wednesday the court issued sentences up to seven years and eight months against the defendants, who were Pirelli board members during the 1980s. Prosecutors said the workers at a Milan factory were not properly protected against asbestos.

Pirelli lawyers pledged they would appeal, expressing confidence in the managers' work "on the basis of scientific evidence available to date."

The court also awarded more than 500,000 euros ($550,000) in damages to one family and other injured parties. ANSA said most families had settled out of court.