India, Italy spar over marine held in killing of fishermen

Italy asked an international panel on Wednesday to order India to free a marine who is suspected of shooting to death two Indian fishermen during an anti-piracy operation gone wrong.

In a rare public hearing at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the two nations sparred over whether Sergeant Salvatore Girone must remain in India to face murder charges over the 2012 shooting or be permitted to return to Italy to face unspecified charges there.

Italy, which argues that the shooting happened in international waters, appealed to have the marine returned home. Indian officials urged the five-judge Hague panel to reject Italy's request.