Italy warns India about detentions

ROME (AP) – Italy warned India on Wednesday that it was creating a “dangerous” precedent by detaining two Italian marines who were on an anti-piracy mission when they allegedly killed two Indian fishermen at sea.

Premier Mario Monti relayed the warning during a telephone call with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh as the diplomatic standoff reached the highest levels of government as well as the halls of the European Union.

According to a statement from Monti’s office, Singh agreed to transfer the marines from prison to somewhere “adequate to their status.”

The marines, who were providing anti-piracy security aboard a cargo ship, are accused of shooting the fishermen Feb. 15 after mistaking them for pirates off India’s southwest coast.  [access full article]

Article by Nicole Winfield for Associated Press.