Bern / Chur, Graubuenden, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) – Two guides who have been on trial for their part in the deaths of six soldiers during a military mountain training expedition on the Jungfrau have been acquitted. They were on trial in a Swiss military court for involuntary manslaughter and for not observing military regulations.

The soldiers, one officer and six recruits ages 20-23, were killed 12 July 2007 when they were hit by an avalanche during bad weather. The week-long trial ended with the two men being cleared of charges and, according to TSR, Swiss television, being awarded indemnities, as is the norm in Switzerland, when the accused is found not guilty. The younger of the two, a 34-year-old military guide, will receive a CHF90,000 indemnity and the other, a private guide, age 47, will receive CHF75,000.

The television station notes that the verdict was met with an emotional and disappointed reaction by the families of the victims.

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