Italian marines case: Oral arguments from March 30 in PCA

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), hearing the Italian marines case between India and Italy, has fixed March 30 and March 31 for oral arguments by the two sides in the matter.
"In the arbitration concerning the 'Enrica Lexie' incident (Italy v.India), a request for provisional measures had been filed by Italy on 11 December 2015.... India responded in writing to Italy's request on 26 February 2016.
"The Arbitral Tribunal has now issued further direction regarding the schedule and the modalities for public attendance of the upcoming hearing on provisional measures... The hearing on provisional measures will commence on Wednesday, 30 March 2016," a PCA release said.

The PCA yesterday also said that according to the Rules of Procedure in this arbitration, the hearing is in principle open to the public.
"However, portions of the hearing may proceed in camera (confidentially), if the Arbitral Tribunal considers so necessary for the smooth conduct of the proceedings or for the protection of confidential information," it added.
Two Italian marines - Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone - on board ship 'Enrica Lexie' are accused of killing two Indian fishermen in 2012 off the Kerala coast after mistaking them for pirates.
While Latorre is in Italy on medical grounds since September 2014, Italy has been seeking Girone's return as well.