We are approaching the second year away from Italy of Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, without anyone guaranteeing them the minimum respect for human rights, first of all that of having denied personal freedom without justified reason.
On March 6, 2012, immediately close to the events that involved our military in an article I used the word "I shudder". A strong statement, which stemmed from the concern of the risk that the two Navy Fusiliers could incur the death penalty, provided for by the Indian law.
A shiver, too, because not even the Commanders of the two Lions of the St. Mark felt the need to raise their voices at that moment to demand that their men be protected by the State. Commanders, however, very silent even afterwards and, save as a modest exception, for the duration of these 24 months.
I shuddered at the pragmatism that characterized the behavior of those who were supposed to guarantee maximum protection for the two soldiers, primarily the Chief of the Executive and the Chief of the Armed Forces, the President of the Republic appointed by the Constitution.
I shuddered in the face of absolute inertia and I would dare to tell the story of the majority of the political representatives who, despite being elected by the sovereign people in Parliament, were hardly committed to defending two citizens involved in events connected to a task under a state law. A silence broken only by meager initiatives aimed at securing a space to then be able to say that they helped to solve the problem of our military, and shout to the success gained on the skin of these servants of the state.
Faced with this absolutely disappointing evidence, a single positive note, the pride of Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone who continued to look ahead with their heads held high, showing all the pride of being Italian soldiers, as they continue to do even now. it can be forgotten by those who wear a uniform, a symbol of national tradition and culture, an expression of belonging to the State of which everyone must be proud as Massimiliano and Salvatore are, manifesting it with their gaze and bearing. However, I continue to shiver in front of the crowd of those who suddenly woke up from a lethargy that lasted 24 months are struggling to conquer a space that can make them say "I have never abandoned our Marò". Politicians and politicians who perhaps do not even know the story of the two Lions of St. Mark and who know little of what happened off the coast of Kerala, considering that some still argue about territorial rather than contiguous waters.
I have discomfort in reading that our Foreign Minister rather than intervene in first person with the frown that we all thought characterized her, prefers to remain vague by stating "There are many options on the table and it will be the Prime Minister to decide" and again " decisions as a team, chaired by the premier, which will be followed by everyone. We must act in a coherent and disciplined way with unique messages ".
We only have to hope that this declared collegiality of intent really takes place and what happened on March 11, 2013, when the then Undersecretary de Mistura expounded to the press, "The decision not to return the maros to India" “It was taken in close coordination with Prime Minister Mario Monti and all the ministers involved in the affair,“ Foreign Affairs, Defense and Justice ”in agreement. He added "we are all in the same position, in a cohesive manner and with the coordination of Monti" and that "at this point the difference of opinion" between Italy and India on the issues of jurisdiction and immunity requires international arbitration " .
A few days later, however, the Navy Riflemen were returned to India by Premier Monti, sharing the decision with the Minister of Defense, and the International Arbitration has at least so far disappeared from the government agenda.
Now it comes from India that perhaps the Supreme Court will grant us the "pardon" on Monday not to provide for the death penalty even if it will not give up the SUA. Another reason to be dismayed because in this way the burden of proof will no longer be borne by the court, but it will be the accused who will have to present proof of their innocence without ever having participated in the defensive investigation.
Also for this reason, therefore, I continue to shiver!
Fernando Termentini
