Judicial process will take its course in marines case

"The government of India is never known to interfere in the judicial process," says Krishna

Despite vigorous diplomatic activity by Rome including a Prime Minister-to-Prime Minister telephonic conversation, New Delhi is unwilling to short-circuit the unfolding judicial process against two Italian marines — Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone —accused of killing two unarmed Indian fishermen, mistaking them for pirates, in February.

“I think when the judicial process is on, the government of India is never known to interfere in the judicial process,” External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said

...

On the marines issue, Mr. Krishna, replying to a question whether there was pressure from Italy to release Lattore and Girone, said, “Absolutely not.”

Italy has gone into diplomatic overdrive soon after the Kerala police arrested the marines on February 19 and sent them to the Central Prison in Thiruvanathapuram after a standoff, during which the two refused to leave their ship.

Rome’s all-out efforts

Initially, Italy engaged in talks with Indian diplomats and even tried exploring the Vatican’s good offices to get the marines off the hook. Rome renewed its efforts after a Kollam court last week denied them bail, and immediately expressed its unhappiness, recalling its Ambassador here to Rome for “consultations.”

The Indian Ambassador in Rome was also called to the Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi’s office and informed of Italy’s position — that the incident took place in international waters and the marines were posted on a merchant vessel following legislation passed by Italy, which meant India had no authority to prosecute them.

...