Rome has reversed its decision on refusing to return the marines to India for facing trial in the killing of two Indian fishermen. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said the two marines have returned to New Delhi Friday evening.
The final decision by the caretaker government in Italy has stirred anger and center-right politicians are calling for the Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi to resign.
The Italian government’s earlier decision sparked diplomatic rows which lead the Supreme Court of India to deny the Italian ambassador from leaving the country.
The marines, while guarding an oil tanker, were accused of shooting two local fishermen off the Indian coast, claiming that they mistook the fishermen for pirates.
Rome proposed putting the marines on trial in Italy, stating the event happened in international waters.
The marines were allowed to go vote in last month’s national elections. But, then the decision to send them back was changed leading to political tensions in both countries.
Prime Minister Mario Monti’s office said in a statement that it has received assurances from India, the men would be treated fairly and that their fundamental rights would be protected. They will not be arrested on their return or given the death sentence.
“Diplomacy continues to work when everyone else thinks that everything is lost,” India’s Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid said. He said that the case does “not fall in the category of matters which attract the death penalty” and “there need not be any apprehension in this regard”, according to a BBC report.
After the decision was finalized to send them back, Michele Emiliano, the mayor of one of the marines’ hometown tweeted, “A hypocritical government is trying to end its embarrassment by sending the sailors back to India after exhibiting them as ‘free’ during the election campaign.”
The Epoch Times publishes in 35 countries and in 21 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.
