THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: "I don't think they had fired at the Indian fishermen purposely. It might have been an error of judgment. I am not aware of the legal complexities of the case. They had erred and served a term in prison. The philosophy of the church is to forgive. Let them go and meet their wives and kids," Archbishop M Susaipakiyam told TOI on Saturday.

Susaipakiyam was talking about the bail and permission granted to Italian marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone to travel home for Christmas.

Susaipakiyam didn't find anything unusual in the court granting bail and the Union government granting travel permission for the marines. "I think the decision will only help to strengthen the diplomatic relation between Italy and India. They are fully cooperating with the trial. There is no point disbelieving the assurance given by Italian minister and senior officials. After the bail period, they will come back," he said.

The head of the archdiocese, under which the families of Valentine Jelestine and Ajish Pink, the murdered Indian fishermen, belong to, said he didn't think any of their friends and relatives were upset over the stand of the archdiocese.

"The Latin Catholic church was in the forefront of the protest to ensure legal proceedings against the marines after the crime was committed. But, the situation has changed. and The Italians are cooperating with trial.

The Italian government had compensated the families of the victims adequately. Even when the court rejected the settlement, they said they didn't want the money back. In fact, the compensation offered by the Italians was more than what they expected," said Bishop Susaipakiyam.

The archbishop said though the legal course of action demanded a trial and pronouncement of judgment to complete the procedures in the case, he preferred to take a theological perspective on the issue. "They have undergone imprisonment for some time. They say they didn't fire at the fishermen purposefully. They too have families and it is only proper that they were given a chance to celebrate Christmas with their families," he said, adding "Let the law take its course. But, granting bail to an accused is also permitted under our law.

Recalling his recent visit to Italy, Susaipakiyam said there is a lot to learn from the solidarity that the Italians have shown with the marines.

"A number of innocent Indian fishermen are in the Sri Lankan and Pakistani prisons. Are we doing anything to secure their release? In fact, this episode should open our eyes to see their plight and work for their welfare," he said.'Challenge to fishermen'

"It is a challenge to the fishermen community. There is no guarantee that the marines will return. I foresee a possible re-arrest and remand drama in Italy to evade the situation of sending the marines back to India," said T Peter, president, Independent Fish Workers Forum. Peter said the stand of the church authorities in this case was not acceptable to the fishermen community. He also refuted the argument that the compensation provided to the families of the fishermen was adequate. "When you convert it to Euro, the compensation offered is not a big amount at all," said Peter.

