Italy recalls ambassador to New Delhi

Italy has recalled its ambassador from India after two Italian members of an anti-piracy unit were charged with the murder of two Indian fishermen.

The Italian marines – members of a security detachment protecting the merchant vessel Enrica Lexie – have been held in the southern Indian state of Kerala since February.

Italy’s foreign ministry last night said it was recalling its ambassador for consultations “in light of the situation in Kerala and the charges against the two Italian servicemen Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone”.

The two were stationed on a merchant ship off the southern Indian coast. They fired warning shots at a fishing boat on 15 February, believing it to be a pirate vessel, they said.

One of the murder charges carries a maximum penalty of life in jail, but another can be punished by death, subject to New Dehli’s approval.

The marines will appear in court on 25 May and the trial could begin shortly afterwards.

The Enrica Lexie entered the Indian port of Kochi on 20 February after the authorities asked its crew to help identify suspected pirates. The marines were then arrested by some 30 armed officials in what the Italian foreign minister said was “subterfuge by the local police”.

India claims Italy has no jurisdiction since the incident happened in international waters.