The European Union (EU) has commended an Indian court's decision to allow two Italian marines, accused of killing two unarmed Indian fishermen, to return to Italy to spend Christmas with their family members.

The two Italian marines, viz. Salvatore Girone and Lattore Massimillano, were arrested in February, after they shot dead two Indian fishermen, allegedly taking them for pirates.

The marines filed an affidavit stating that they would come back to Kerala on or before 10th of January. Italian officials were also made to deposit Rs 6 crore as a bank guarantee in the Kollam Magistrate Court.

Girone and Massimillano flew from Kochi airport early in the morning in a special aircraft. The duo was escorted by top Italian officials.

Commending the release, the EU said, "The EU takes a very favourable view of the court of Kerala's decision to allow the two Italian marines to return home by Christmas, and is still committed to following the case."

The Supreme Court of India has reserved its verdict regarding the case involving the two Italian marines pending before it.

Meanwhile the families of the two victims, viz. Ajesh Binki and Gelastine, have said that the Kerala Government would shoulder the responsibility to make certain that they get justice.