Italian marines case: Accused should undergo trial as per Indian law, says Kerala govt

The CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala on Tuesday made it clear that the Italian marines, allegedly involved in the case of the killing of two Indian fishermen off the state's coast in 2012, should undergo trial as per Indian laws.

"The Kerala government has maintained that the accused should face the trial as per the Indian judicial system. There is no change in that stand," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

Speaking to reporters after a state cabinet meeting on the latest development in the case in the Supreme Court, he said there were complaints that the previous government at the Centre also had not shown any interest in ensuring the trial of the accused as per the Indian judicial system.

"The Centre should take steps to try them under Indian laws," he said.

Vijayan was responding to queries on the Centre's submission in the apex court that it had no objection on Italy's fresh plea, seeking modifications in the bail conditions of marine Massimiliano Latorre, to enable him remain in that country till an international tribunal decided which country had the right to try the case.

The case relates to the killing of two Indian fishermen off the Kerala coast on February 15, 2012 allegedly by marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, who were on board Italian-flagged commercial oil tanker 'Enrica Lexie'.