NEW DELHI – India says it will try two Italian marines under its laws even though Italy is deeply unhappy with a decision to make use of a severe anti-piracy law.
The marines have been held since 2012 in the deaths of two Indian fishermen. They were part of a military security team on an Italian cargo ship and fired at the fishermen, saying they mistook them for pirates. They are on bail pending trial, and are living and working at the Italian Embassy in Delhi.
External Affairs Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said Tuesday that Indian laws will prevail in the case despite strong objections from the Italian government.
India has ruled out the possibility of a death penalty, but the marines could face up to 10 years in prison.
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