Clerical Error Frees 43 Inmates in Italy

Forty-three members of a gang convicted of refining heroin destined for the United States were ordered released from prison Sunday because the attorney general determined a clerical error had violated their rights.

Authorities ordered the gang members freed after a defense lawyer told the Court of Cassation that defense attorneys never received a legally required notification of an appeals hearing that was scheduled for Saturday. Under the law, lawyers must be notified at least 15 days in advance of a hearing. Authorities said the attorneys were not notified because of a clerical error.