File picture of Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy.
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday against the intervention of United Nations in the Italian Marines Case.
Based on reports that UN General Assembly President John Ashe, who is on a state visit to India, is likely to intervene in the case after being approached by Italy, the chief minister's letter stated, "If the accused are exonerated unconditionally at the intervention of United Nations or by any foreign nation, it will cause heavy prejudice and an insult to the judicial system of our country. Therefore, I earnestly request that the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the Union Government may not succumb to the pressure of any foreign intervention in this matter."
PTI had earlier reported that Italy's deputy prime minister and Interior Minister Angelino Alfano met John Ashe on Monday and "briefed him on the situation of the two-year-old case of the marines". In response, President Ashe informed the minister that "in the course of his imminent State visit to India, he will be alert for whatever opportunity presents itself to raise the issue," a statement issued by Mr Ashe's spokesperson said.
Mr Chandy also wrote, "The killing of the fishermen was brutal, unprovoked and an example of high handedness of the mariners...No decision should be taken to release the Italian mariners without trial."
Two Indian fishermen were killed in a firing from the Italian vessel Enrica Lexie on February 15, 2012 off the coast of Kerala. The case is pending trial before a NIA special court.