Italian marines get bail, but can't leave Kochi

Kochi: After being in jail for almost four months, the two Italian marines charged with the killing of two Indian fishermen were on Wednesday granted bail by the Kerala High Court, but with stringent conditions. The Kerala government has to ensure they do not leave the country.

The marines, Latore Massimiliano and Salvatore Girone, have been asked to pay Rs 1 crore each as a bail bond and two Indians will have to stand as sureties.

Also, the marines' passports will be with the police and they will not be allowed to leave Kochi. They also have to report to the police everyday.

The development came a day after the Kerala High Court dismissed the plea to quash the case against the marines. However, a similar petition is pending before the Supreme Court.

The High Court made it clear that the Kerala Police have the jurisdiction to register the case since the incident occurred in the territorial waters falling within India's Exclusive Economic Zone making the Indian penal laws applicable.

However, the Italian government, which has been fighting for the marines, insists that they cannot be tried in India.

As far as the legal battle is concerned, this is not the end of the road for the Italian marines. The Kerala Police have slapped murder charges against them and the trial will begin at the Kollam sessions court anytime soon.