Security beefed up at Italian vessel

Security has been beefed up at MV ‘ENRICA LEXIE’, the Italian vessel which has been in news for the last 4 days over killing of two fishermen in the sea.

Kerala’s 10 armed police commandos are on board. Two Coast Guard ships are also guarding the vessel.

It is reported that some top police officers are afraid of Italian authorities and ship’s owners endeavour to shift the case to a third country under the pretext of possible fishermen upsurge against the vessel and consequent attack against the vessel.

They feel that efforts are in the pipeline to contact International Court of Justice in this regard. But, the police say that the enquiry is in progress as per the law of the land, but closing all loopholes.

The Italian authorities believe that since both India and Italy are having two different sorts of laws, their naval soldiers will get legal protection. The vessel was carrying Italian flag and the voyage was through international ship route. Italian rules permit the deployment of defence force on board the vessel. Italian foreign minister reiterated that their force shot pirates dead.

In the mean time experts maintain that Italian arguments are baseless. UN directives are favourable for India. They refer to UN Convention On The Law Of The Sea (UN Calls) which defines the border of the territorial waters.

According to available reports shooting took place within 14 nautical miles (22 kms).

According to UN Calls directives, this zone is under the complete control of India. So, the crimes taking place within this area can be tried in India, says S. Faizi, well known environmentalist.

When the Italian naval soldiers were brought before the judicial court in Karunagappally, Kollam district, youth wings of Congress, CPI, BJP and NCP staged angry protests against the killing of the innocent fishermen. Italian marines Latorre Massimiliano and Salvatore Girone were remanded in judicial custody by the court.

Kochi port is charging MV ‘ENRICA LEXIE’ Rs 20 lakhs in connection with
the berthing, charges, etc.