Indian Supreme Court says Massimiliano Latorre can stay in Italy until the end of arbitration
The recent decision grants the Italian marine, already in Italy for health reasons, the same conditions as Salvatore Girone who returned to Italy after four years.
New Delhi (AsiaNews) – The Indian Supreme Court ruled that Massimiliano Latorre can stay in Italy until the end of the international arbitration.
Latorre and Salvatore Girone are accused in connection of the homicide of two Indian fishermen off the coast of Kerala. He is already in Italy for medical reasons.
For India’s highest court, there is no reason to deny Latorre the same conditions previously agreed for Girone who returned to Italy after four years confinement.
The judges granted the request presented by Latorre’s lawyers, who stressed that the arbitration process could last until 2020.
The ruling imposes strict conditions on the Italian marine. He has to remain under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India, he has to report to an Italian police station every Wednesday, he cannot tamper with the evidence, and he cannot influence witnesses. If any of these conditions are breached, his furlough would be revoked.
For years, the case of has pitted Indian and Italian courts in a tug of war.
The affair broke out on 15 February 2012 when the marines from the San Marco Battalion operating as a security detail on Italian oil tanker MV Enrica Lexie opened fire on a fishing boat, thinking it was pirate vessel, killing Indian fishermen Valentine Jelastine and Ajesh Binki.
Although the affair might still be relevant for politicians, for the victims’ families it is a closed chapter.
When Girone was released on "humanitarian grounds", Dora Jelastine, the widow of one of the two fisherman, said, “I am not opposed to their release and do not insist that they be condemned and punished.”
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