The two Italian Naval Guards, arrested in connection with the February 15 killing of two Indian fishermen off the Kerala coast, were released on bail last night. Latore Massimilliano and Salvatore Girone walked out of the Borstal prison in Kochi after they fulfilled the stringent bail conditions of the Kerala High Court. The Kollam District and Sessions court yesterday posted the trial in the case to June 18.

Italian Consul General Giampalo Cuttillo and other officials were present as the marines were driven off to a five-star hotel at the nearby Wellington Island.

The High Court had granted them bail on May 30th on various conditions, including a bond of one crore rupees each with two Indian solvent sureties for the like amount.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti expressed satisfaction over the release of the two Italian marines on bail and called for their return to Italy.