Is this the last we will see of the Italian Marines?
24 Dec 2012 5:46 AM IST
In the wee hours of Saturday, the two Italian marines charged with shooting dead two Indian fishermen flew out of Kochi airport in a chartered flight from Italy. The question most often asked here now is: Will they return, as promised, by 10 Jan, 2013?
The two Italians were charged with killing fishermen Ajesh Binki and Gelastine 15 Feb, allegedly taking them for pirates. The marines were out on bail, staying in a Kochi hotel. On Thursday, the Kerala High Court ruled that subject to some conditions, the two marines could be allowed to return home for Christmas.
The families of the slain fishermen doubt the Italians will now return to stand trial in India. The Left opposition in the state too has expressed doubt the two will return.
The Italian consul general, however, has asserted that the men will return. An assurance to this effect was sought by the court from the Italian government before allowing the men the trip home for Christmas.
CM Oommen Chandy told reporters that his government had opposed relaxation in the bail conditions of the two accused; he told reporters Saturday that it was now up to the central government to see that the two return. ‘There need be no doubt on the state government's stance.
When the request for a Christmas holiday for the two first came, we strongly opposed it. Now it's the responsibility of the central government to see that the two return. The Italian government has offered such an assurance,’ the CM said.
The two Italians were charged with killing fishermen Ajesh Binki and Gelastine 15 Feb, allegedly taking them for pirates. The marines were out on bail, staying in a Kochi hotel. On Thursday, the Kerala High Court ruled that subject to some conditions, the two marines could be allowed to return home for Christmas.
The families of the slain fishermen doubt the Italians will now return to stand trial in India. The Left opposition in the state too has expressed doubt the two will return.
The Italian consul general, however, has asserted that the men will return. An assurance to this effect was sought by the court from the Italian government before allowing the men the trip home for Christmas.
CM Oommen Chandy told reporters that his government had opposed relaxation in the bail conditions of the two accused; he told reporters Saturday that it was now up to the central government to see that the two return. ‘There need be no doubt on the state government's stance.
When the request for a Christmas holiday for the two first came, we strongly opposed it. Now it's the responsibility of the central government to see that the two return. The Italian government has offered such an assurance,’ the CM said.
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