The Hindu – Italy’s decision on marines unacceptable: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy

Reacting to Rome’s refusal to return two of its marines involved in the killing of two Indian fishermen, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Tuesday termed it as “unacceptable” and said he would raise the issue with the External Affairs Ministry

Thiruvananthapuram, 12 March 2013. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Tuesday termed as unacceptable Italy’s decision not to send its two marines to India, who were being tried for killing two fishermen. He said he will take up the issue with the External Affairs Ministry.

The Supreme Court in February allowed Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, accused of killing two Indian fishermen to return to Italy to vote in the February 24-25 national elections. It had earlier allowed them to go home for Christmas.

“I am reaching Delhi (Tuesday) night and I will take this issue up with the external affairs ministry. We are also looking to take up this issue legally,” Mr. Chandy said after Italy announced that the marines will not be returning to India.

The Italian government claimed that New Delhi “does not have jurisdiction over the case”.

Mr. Chandy said: “You should see the earnestness in how Kerala pursued this case in the… courts and also in the apex court in the country. Our stand remains the same that they should stand trial here according to the Indian law.” In no way would this would be acceptable to Kerala, he said.

The Supreme Court had ruled that the case need not be tried in Kerala, instead a special court be set up in Delhi.

The two marines have been at the centre of a year-long international row for allegedly shooting dead two Indian fishermen Ajesh Binki and Gelastine after mistaking them for pirates near the Kerala coast in February 2012.

Italy claims the incident occurred in international waters and has been trying to get Latorre and Girone tried in Italian courts, while India contends the shooting occurred in its own territory.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/italys-decision-on-marines-unacceptable-chandy/article4500096.ece

The Asian Age – Ship fired 24 rounds: Cops

Kiran Tom Sajan, Age Correspondent With agency inputs

Kochi/Thiruvananthapuram, 27 February 2012. The weapons seized from Italian merchant vessel Enrica Lexie by the Kerala police special investigation team has yielded crucial evidence on the number of rounds fired by the two arrested marines, Latore Massimiliano and Salvatore Girone. Police sources claimed 24 rounds were fired from the vessel, and two of these, it is believed, killed the two fishermen.

The number of rounds was calculated from the number of bullets left in two mounted guns on board. These had 22 and 18 bullets left in them respectively. The police claimed each gun had a capacity to load 32 bullets at a time, which indicates the two had together fired 24 rounds.

“They might have opened fire using these guns, as only these offer binocular vision. It would be difficult to make a headshot from such a distance with a rifle,” said a ballistics expert.

The police seized six other rifles from the four marines on board. The weapons inventory given by the Italians to the police and ustoms authorities showed 32 items — two mounted guns, six rifles, 18 pistols and six bulletproof jackets.

In Thiruvananthapuram, defence minister A.K. Antony said the case was progressing well, and added: “The case will proceed under Indian law.” Later, after visiting the family of one of the slain fishermen in Kollam, the minister said the Centre would take steps to ensure coastal security and the safety of fishermen.

http://www.asianage.com/india/ship-fired-24-rounds-cops-818