(ANSA) - Rome, July 8 - Italy on Monday urged the
International Court of Arbitration in The Hague to recognise the
immunity of two Italian marines accused of shooting dead two
Indian fishermen after mistaking them for pirates in February
2012.
Ambassador Francesco Azzarello told the court that
Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone were functionaries of
the Italian state doing their duty on board an Italian flagged
ship in international waters and were therefore to be deemed
"immune to foreign justice".
Italy is claiming jurisdiction in the case.
The ambassador went on to say that India already considers
the marines guilty.
"In India's eyes there is no presumption of innocence: the
marines were guilty of murder even before the charges were
laid".
He also said "there were unjustifiable postponements of the
trial in India. Special procedures were invented, in violation
of the Indian Constitution."
In reply, Indian representative G. Balasubramanian told the
court that "Italy maintains it has the exclusive jurisdiction in
the case but one must take into account the fact that India and
the two fishermen are the victims in this case.
"Two human beings aboard an Indian boat were killed by
individuals who were on a merchant ship," he said.
Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini said on Facebook: "always at
the side of our soldiers, in Italy and the world, because they
defend our security, our borders, our pride and our dignity".
Defence Minister Elisabetta Trenta said "the Italian
government has the utmost faith in the International Court of
Arbitration.
"Dear Salvatore and Massimiliano, you are not alone. Your or
your families. I send you a strong hug in the name of the
government and all the defence ministry".
Recognise India marine immunity, Italy asks Hague court
Rome claims jurisdiction in long-running case