India's top court turns down pleas by Italian marines

NEW DELHI (AP) — India's top court on Tuesday turned down travel appeals by two Italian marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen in 2012.

The Supreme Court denied Massimiliano Latorre permission to remain in his country for two more months.

The court also refused permission for Salvattore Girone to travel to Italy for Christmas, Press Trust of India said.

The marines were part of a military security team on an Italian cargo ship and fired at the fishermen, saying they mistook them for pirates.

The case has sparked a bitter row between the countries.

Latorre and Girone were providing security aboard a cargo ship in February 2012 when they opened fire on a fishing boat they said they mistook for a pirate craft and killed the two fishermen.

Latorre has been in Italy since September undergoing medical treatment. He wanted permission to stay in Italy for a further two months after undergoing planned heart surgery early next month.

Gironne, in his plea filed in the court, said his children were suffering from post-traumatic disorder due to his long absence.

But the court denied them, saying the trial has already been delayed and should not be delayed further.