The Enrica Lexie case, also known as the Italian Marines Case, ignited an international controversy following a shooting incident off the western coast of India. On February 15, 2012, two Indian fishermen were tragically killed aboard the St. Antony off the coast of Kerala, India. In the aftermath, the Indian Navy intercepted the vessel Enrica Lexie and detained two Italian marines.

The legal battle that ensued captivated the attention of numerous law professionals and academicians as it unfolded over the years. India’s attempt to exercise criminal jurisdiction over the state officials faced challenges due to Italy’s assertion of jurisdiction and immunity. However, both sides secured victories on different fronts, with Italy emphasizing jurisdiction and immunity while India asserted principles of freedom of navigation and sought compensation.

The lecture on this case was held on January 8, 2021, with Professor Attila Tanzi as the speaker. Professor Tanzi served as the lead counsel for Italy against India in the Enrica Lexie Case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands. He has held the chair of International Law at the University of Bologna for thirteen years and has a distinguished career, including chairmanship of the Legal Board of the UNECE Water Convention and roles as a legal consultant and special rapporteur to organizations such as WHO and UNECE. Additionally, Professor Tanzi is a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, a conciliator at the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and a legal consultant to Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has represented Italy’s interests on various occasions as a member of Italy’s delegation to the Sixth Committee (Legal) of the U.N. General Assembly.