Parliament of Europe on 14 January 2015 adopted a resolution calling on India to allow the return of two Italian marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone. The resolution was adopted by majority during the plenary session of European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
Details of the Resolution
• Member of European Parliament (MEPs) expressed great sadness at the tragic death of the two Indian fishermen, but also grave concerns about the detention without charge of the Italian marines
• They also stressed that restrictions on the marines’ freedom of movement represent a serious breach of their human rights and ask for their repatriation.
• They also backed the positions stated by Italy on the 2012 incident and therefore hope that jurisdiction will fall to the Italian authorities and/or international arbitration.
• They finally asked Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to take all necessary steps to protect the two Italian marines and state their support for the efforts of all parties involved to work towards a mutually acceptable solution.
India’s reaction
The resolution drew sharp reaction from India and it termed the step as not well advised as the matter was sub judice.
Earlier, Supreme Court on 14 January 2015 granted three months extension to the Italian marine, Massimiliano Latorre, for his stay in Italy on health grounds. The other marine, Salvatore Girone is living in the Italian Embassy in New Delhi.
Background
Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, were arrested on murder charges after in an anti-piracy they killed two Indian fisherman off the coast of Kerala on 15 February 2012. The two maintain that they fired at the fishermen after mistaking them for pirates while guarding the ship Enrica Lexie.
The shooting incident sparked a diplomatic row between India and Italy over conflicting opinions on jurisdiction and immunity.
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