[Gian]

Strangely no one in the Forum seems to notice that two members of the "San Marco" Regiment have been detained in India since February 19, under the charge of intentionally killing two unarmed Indian sailors.
Warrant Officer Massimiliano Latorre and Sergeant Salvatore Girone were on board tanker Enrica Lexie as an anti-piracy escort. On February 16, the ship was assaulted by armed men on a motorboat, and the Italian Marines had to fend them off by shooting, although no hits were noticed by them. Approximately in the same hours, two unarmed Indian fishermen were shot while off at sea.
Indian authorities say the Italian soldiers deliberately killed the two fishermen in domestic waters. Italian authorities maintain that the shootout occurred 12 miles off the coast in international waters (this is one of the major subjects of debate) AND against a real threat (i.e. correcctly recognized as pirates not fishermen). As of now, there is no evidence that the fishermen were actually shot by the Italians.
However it is, Enrica Lexie was tricked into docking at Kochi harbour under the excuse of a minor check. And the Marines were disembarked by order of the shipowner (according to the Italian Govt., this is unlawful since technically the ship is Italian territory).

The diplomatic situation seems to be in a deadlock, but maybe a grassroots intervention can speed the solution of the case, so I urge you to contact the nearest Indian Consulate and ask that Latorre and Girone be freed as soon as possible.

[Jeff Leser]

Weird

Jeff