Enrica Lexie compensation issue resolved: Italy to pay Rs 2 crore

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Bringing down the curtains on the Enrica Lexie compensation issue, the Republic of Italy has agreed to pay Rs 1 crore each as compensation to the families of the two fishermen killed at sea from firing off the Italian oil-tanker near Kochi shore in February.

The agreement was reached between the families of the two fishermen and Pasquale Preziosa, Chief of the Italian Ministry of Defence, who along with other Italian officials met the family members on April 12 and 13 at Quilon Beach Hotel, Kollam, and Mascot Hotel and South Park Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram.

Jelastine and Ajeesh Pink, the two fishermen, were killed after two Italian marines on board Enrica Lexie opened fire at them.

Pursuant to the agreement, Doramma, wife of Jelastine, filed an application before Kerala High Court on Thursday seeking a directive to refer the compensation plea filed by them to the Lok Adalat for final settlement.

Doramma submitted before the court that the Republic of Italy had agreed to pay compensation and so was willing to settle the issue and sought a directive for disposal of the decree filed in court.

Doramma told Deccan Chronicle that she would use the money for the benefit of her children Derreick and Jean. According to Doramma she would try to provide good education of her children. Saddened by the loss of her husband, she would not allow her children make fishing their job.

According to her counsel C Unnikrishnan whom the Italians approached for settling the dispute, the owners of the vessel refused to give any compensation to the family. Since the family members were finding hard to make the both ends meet they accepted the proposal of the Italian government.

However, as per the agreement, the petitions against the marines would have to be withdrawn. He made it clear that the case registered against marines and the investigation will not be affected by the out-of -court settlement.