NEW DELHI, Apr 8: Notwithstanding NIA slapping murder charge against two Italian marines, India will honour the assurance given to Italy that the duo will not face death penalty for allegedly killing two fishermen off Kerala coast.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will not press for death sentence against the marines — Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone — as per the assurance given by India to Italy even if they are convicted of murder.
“We will honour whatever assurance given to Italy,” Union Home Secretary R K Singh told reporters here today.
On March 22, after the return of the marines from Italy, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid had told Parliament that India has given an assurance to that country that the two will not face death penalty nor will they be liable for arrest if they return by the deadline set by the Supreme Court.
India had given the assurance after clarifications were sought by Italy on death penalty which was a “concern” to that country.
NIA has submitted an FIR before a Special NIA court booking the marines under sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 427 (mischief) along with section 34 (common intent) of IPC.(PTI)
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