Italy sought UN direction to India on marine's bail

Italy has told the Supreme Court that it has sought direction to India from UN tribunal to relax bail condition of one of its marines Salvatore Girone, to enable him to return the country.

He has been staying here in view of charges of killing two fishermen off Kerala coast in 2012.

Of the two Italian Marines — Massimiliano Latorre — has already been allowed by the supreme court to remain in Italy till April 30 as he was recuperating following a surgery. Another naval officer Salvatore Girone has been directed not to leave India.

In an affidavit, Gianluca Grandi, Charge d’affaires of the Italian embassy, submitted before the supreme court that Italy has requested the international tribunal formed under the UN Convention on the Law of Sea to issue direction to India to relax bail conditions of Salvatore Girone to enable him to return to Italy.

“Pending the final determination of the proceedings by the tribunal, the request has been submitted as no charges have yet been brought and that all proceedings have been stayed/deferred till further orders by the court,” it said.

“With the ongoing international arbitral proceedings, (Italy hoped India) to ensure there is no aggravation or extension of dispute,” it added.