UN rules in favour of Italian marine

The two Italian marines — Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone are facing charges of murdering two fishermen in 2012 off the Kerala coast. Latorre is currently living in Italy after suffering a stroke in 2014 while Girone is staying in the Italian Embassy here. The two countries have agreed to arbitration by the UN court. 

Reports from Rome said the UN tribunal court has ruled that pending arbitration proceedings, Girone may be permitted to return home. However, the tribunal’s order is expected to be made public on Tuesday. Sources in New Delhi have denied reports that the marine has been ordered to be freed, saying Italy was ‘misrepresenting’ the order which actually affirms the Indian Supreme Court’s authority over the matter. 

According to the Indian government, “India and Italy are advised to approach the Supreme Court for relaxation of bail conditions for Girone and his possible return to Italy strictly conditional on Italy guaranteeing to return him if required.” 

“Foreign Ministry released information that the arbitral tribunal set up in The Hague had directed that Girone Rifleman (be allowed to go) back to Italy until the end of the arbitration proceedings, initiated by the Government on June 26, 2015,” the Italian ministry said. 

Italy in March had asked the PCA judges to order India to release its detained marine Girone, saying otherwise he risks four more years in India without any charges being made which would amount to ‘grave violation of his human rights’.