JOIN USThe Centre on Wednesday submitted before the Kerala High Court that the court can take an appropriate decision on the Italian marines’ plea, based on an assurance given by the Italian ambassador, that they be permitted to go home to celebrate Christmas with their families.
The court will issue the order on Thursday on the petition by the two marines facing trial for shooting dead two Indian fishermen off the Kollam coast in February this year. The marines who are out on bail are not permitted to leave Kochi.
Submitting the letter of the joint secretary of the External Affairs Ministry expressing the stance of the Centre on the plea, the assistant solitary general told court that there was no need of suspicion on the assurance given by the Italian ambassador that he had taken the responsibility of ensuring that the marines would return to India after the Christmas celebration.
He also handed over the letter to the court sent by Italy to India on the marines’ request. He said the content of the letter could not be disclosed in the open court and the court could examine it.
Petitioners’ counsel P Vijayabhanu appealed to the court that the bail condition of the marines may be relaxed to facilitate them to go home for Christmas, accepting the assurance given by the Italian government and its envoy in India.
Meanwhile, the Kerala government has strongly opposed the plea.
Director-General of Prosecution Asif Ali pointed out that accused in the sensational French espionage case were permitted to go home for a short period granting their plea, but they did not return till date. The espionage case is that a French couple who came by a yacht and photographed naval installation in Kochi during the eighties.
The tow Italian marines—Latro Massimilliano and Salvatore Girone—both members of the security team on the Italian merchant vessel Enrica Lexi are accused of killing two Indian fishermen after shooting at a fishing boat which they allegedly mistook it as a pirate craft.