India marines prosecutors ask acquittal

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 9 - Prosecutors in the case of two Italian marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen off India after mistaking them for pirates in 2012 on Thursday asked a Rome court to acquit them saying they acted while respecting the rules of engagement.
    With the prosecution joining the defence in calling for an acquittal, it is highly likely that Salvatore Girone and Massimiliano Latorre will be cleared of murdering Valentine Jelastine and Ajeesh Pink.
    The marines were doing anti-piracy duty aboard the merchant ship Enrica Lexie in February 2012 off the coast of Kerala, southern India, when they fired on the Indian fishing boat.
    The prosecutors said they were convinced they were under assault from pirates.
    Italy last year got jurisdiction in the case after a long wrangle with India. (ANSA).