On December 28, 2023, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that the Qatar Court of Appeals nullified the death sentence given to eight former Indian Navy personnel in the Dahra Global case, indicating that the sentences have been reduced to a jail term. Qatar’s Court issued a ruling during the hearing of an appeal filed by the families of eight men
The external affairs ministry briefly stated that the Court of Appeal in Qatar had "reduced" the sentences for all 8 ex-Indian Navy Personnel. However, the statement did not provide further details, noting that the "detailed judgment is awaited."
India’s Ambassador to Qatar, Vipul, along with family members of the Imprisoned Indians and Embassy officials, were in attendance at the Court of Appeal when the verdict was announced.
The Indian Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs are actively engaging with the legal team and the family members of the former navy sailors.
In a statement, the ministry affirms their unwavering support for the individuals from the onset, assuring the continuous provision of consular and legal assistance. It further emphasises an ongoing commitment to addressing the matter with Qatari authorities.
Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the case proceedings, the statement refrains from making any further comments at this time, emphasizing the necessity for discretion.
Sources suggest that the Indian side is contemplating the possibility of filing another appeal against the prison terms given to the individuals. The initial appeal was filed on November 9.
8 ex-Indian Navy Personnels were given Death Sentence
On October 26, a Qatar court pronounced a death sentence for eight former Indian Navy officials, charging them with espionage linked to a submarine program, purportedly on behalf of Israel.
The former Indian Navy officers, including Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, and Sailor Ragesh, were detained by the Qatari intelligence service in Doha on August 30, 2022. Although reports hinted at espionage accusations, Qatari and Indian authorities haven't disclosed specific details about the charges.
The eight individuals were employed by a subsidiary of Dahra Engineering & Security Services, located in Oman. This subsidiary, providing training and services to Qatar’s armed forces, was shut down in May of the current year.
Responding to this, the external affairs ministry expressed "deep shock" at the verdict and pledged to explore all legal avenues to assist the former naval personnel.
India initiated an appeal against the death penalty imposed on the former Indian Navy officers. On November 9, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the judgment is considered "confidential," explicitly confirming the filing of an appeal in the case.
Qatar’s Court of Appeal held three hearings on November 23, November 30, and December 7. On December 3, the Indian ambassador was provided consular access to meet with the eight men.
Earlier, the families of the eight men had filed a petition to the Emir of Qatar, seeking their pardon. Traditionally, the emir extends pardons to prisoners on Qatar's national day, celebrated on December 18, and during the Eid festivals.
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