Remand of marines extended

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Chief Judicial Magistrate Court at Kollam on Monday extended the remand period of Italian marines Latorre Massimillano and Salvatore Girone till April 2.

They were sent back to Central Prison in the capital city where they have been staying for the last fourteen days.

Meanwhile Adv Sunil Maheswaran Pilla who appeared for Italian Republic submitted two petitions before the court.

One to allow the accused to have television sets in their cell since they are unable to read the news paper supplied in the jail or understand the language of jail official’s. “If the court allows Italian Counsel will provide the facilities,” said Mr Sunil to DC.

The second petition pertained to review of ballistic test conducted at Police Forensic Science Lab. The counsel for the accused submitted that Italian Ballistic experts were not allowed to participate in vital bullet comparison test in the lab and only the results were shown to them.

This made them to revert back to Italy, while it was reported by FSL director before the court that Italian Ballistic experts returned to Italy voluntarily, which was not true, he added.

“The court finished the hearing on the petition on Monday and orders will be passed on March 21. Defence didn’t put up any bail application” said deputy director Prosecution, K.O. Raju to DC.

Prosecution had strongly opposed the two petitions filed by the defence since FSL director had produced the letter by Italian Ballistic Experts stating they were withdrawing from the test, and the second one regarding permission to watch television on grounds that it will create a divide among the prisoners, Mr Raju added.