Two more months in Kerala for the Italian Marines, but not in jail
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 In return, they have withdrawn the civil cases as the injured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)
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