Italy on Monday warned it would "react" to India's "unacceptable"
move to invoke a severe anti-piracy law against two of its marines
facing trial there since 2012 over the killings of two Indian fishermen.
"The charge sought by Indian authorities is unacceptable," Prime Minister Enrico Letta said in a message on his Twitter handle. "Italy and the European Union will react."
His comments came after Indian authorities said the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the matter, would prosecute marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone under the maritime security law SUA. The SUA carries death penalty.
The marines allegedly shot dead two fishermen off the Kerala coast in February 2012, sparking diplomatic tensions between India and Italy.
The marines, deployed on the Italian-flagged oil tanker MT Enrica Lexie, have said they mistook the fishermen for pirates. They are now staying in the Italian Embassy in New Delhi awaiting trial.
Rome wants the marines to be tried in Italy, claiming the incident took place in international waters. However, New Delhi said it has the right to try the Italian personnel as the victims were Indians on board an Indian fishing boat.
Besides, the office of Letta said, "(The charge sought) is absolutely overblown and incomprehensible. It equates the incident to an act of terrorism. Italy is not a terrorist State."
Foreign Minister Emma Bonino, meanwhile, said Italy might appeal to the UN if the Indian court approves the charges.
Read more: Italy warns India of EU 'reaction' on marines trial : Europe, News - India Today
"The charge sought by Indian authorities is unacceptable," Prime Minister Enrico Letta said in a message on his Twitter handle. "Italy and the European Union will react."
His comments came after Indian authorities said the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the matter, would prosecute marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone under the maritime security law SUA. The SUA carries death penalty.
The marines allegedly shot dead two fishermen off the Kerala coast in February 2012, sparking diplomatic tensions between India and Italy.
The marines, deployed on the Italian-flagged oil tanker MT Enrica Lexie, have said they mistook the fishermen for pirates. They are now staying in the Italian Embassy in New Delhi awaiting trial.
Rome wants the marines to be tried in Italy, claiming the incident took place in international waters. However, New Delhi said it has the right to try the Italian personnel as the victims were Indians on board an Indian fishing boat.
Besides, the office of Letta said, "(The charge sought) is absolutely overblown and incomprehensible. It equates the incident to an act of terrorism. Italy is not a terrorist State."
Foreign Minister Emma Bonino, meanwhile, said Italy might appeal to the UN if the Indian court approves the charges.
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