TNI Bureau: The Supreme Court directed Centre to set up a special court for the trial of two Italian marines, who are accused of killing two Indian fishermen. Turning down the Italian government’s plea, the apex court said that Indian courts do not have the jurisdiction in the case.
The court asked Centre to consult the Chief Justice of India before setting up the special court where two Italian Marines – Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone will be tried.
The jurisdiction of the trial, which is currently at Kollam, Kerala, should be considered by the special court, which will decide whether the accused can be tried in India or Italy.
Both the accused were arrested on February 19 last year for killing two Indian fishermen – Ajesh Binki (25) and Jelestine (45). They had allegedly opened fire at fishermen from merchant vessel ‘Enrica Lexie’ off Alapuzha coast, ‘mistaking’ them for Somali pirates. The marines are currently out of jail on bail. They were allowed to visit Rome for Christmas for two weeks after Kerala High Court’s order.