The National Fishworkers’ Forum (NFF) of India has protested the decision of Scuderia Ferrari, the Formula One racing division of the automobile firm, to sport the flag of the Italian Navy on its cars participating in the second edition of the Indian Grand Prix to be held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida this weekend.

Ferrari took the decision to express solidarity with the Italian marines facing trial in India on the charge of killing two Indian fishermen at sea.

NFF Secretary T. Peter said the government decision to allow Ferrari to carry the Italian Navy flag on its racing cars as an expression of solidarity with the Italian marines was an affront to Indian society at large and a shame on the country. He said it was also a challenge to the fishermen community.

“We cannot approve of the government turning a blind eye to this act, especially because the two marines are still undergoing trial, he said.

2012, The Hindu