Kochi (AsiaNews) - The Italian Marines, held in Kerala over the murder of two Indian fishermen have to wait more than two months before their case reaches a conclusion. In a hearing this morning, the last before the summer break, the Supreme Court failed to address the issue of jurisdiction, as provided by the program, automatically delaying the case to July. However, the court has ordered the transfer of Salvatore Girone and Massimiliano Latorre to an alternative accommodation to prison, according to their military status.
Harish Salve, the lawyer representing the Italian Government, said that the transfer request had been made on 8 March to the Government of Kerala, but they had received no reply. In this regard, Kerala lawyer Gopal Subramaniam, said that state authorities have no objection to the Marines being transferred, but it may take four weeks to "ensure the proper protection" to the two soldiers.
Meanwhile, the lives of families of Jelestein and Ajesh Binki, the two victims, continues. "In some ways -Fr. Stephen Kulakkayathil, pastor of Quilon where Jelestein's family lives, explains to AsiaNews - they are hoping that the soldiers return home as soon as possible." The pastor commented on the much-criticized extrajudicial agreement reached with Italy. It provided for the payment of 10 million rupees (about 145 thousand Euros) to each family. In return, they have withdrawn the civil cases as the injured party. Fr. Stephen points out: "It is a great help to these people. It is an investment for the future of the children of Jelestein and the younger sisters of Ajesh. It was a nice gesture." (GM)
