Kochi:
The Italian government says that two of its marines, currently in a Kerala jail for shooting two fishermen from Kochi, will be tried for murder in Italy. This is part of Italy's attempts to persuade India to release the marines who were arrested a few weeks ago. A court in Kerala today extended their custody till March 5.
The marines were on board an Italian merchant vessel en route from Dubai to Singapore. They say they mistook a boat of fishermen for Somalian pirates and opened fire. Two fishermen died.
India says because the incident took place within its waters, the marines must face a trial here according to Indian law. Italy has disputed that, describing the arrests of the guards as coercive and unilateral. A series of Italian delegates including the country's foreign minister have met with SM Krishna, Minister for External Affairs. They have stressed that as members of the Navy, the marines are entitled to immunity abroad, and should be tried in their home country.
The Kerala High Court is also hearing a case filed by the family of one of the men who was killed. His relatives have asked for a crore as compensation. The lawyers representing the Italians have told the High Court that the Italian government has initiated criminal proceedings against the marines. The murder charges against them mean they could face upto 21 years in prison, according to Italian law.
Meanwhile, the police custody of the marines has been extended by four days till March 5. This comes after a Kerala court had given a week's extension of the period for police interrogation on February 23.