LI Network
Published on: December 28, 2023 at 21:53 IST
In a significant development, the Court of Appeal in Qatar has commuted the death sentences of eight former Indian Navy personnel, marking the first legal victory for India in the case. The detailed order from the Qatar court is awaited, but the Indian government has confirmed that the sentences have been “reduced.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, “We have noted the verdict today of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, in which the sentences have been reduced.” While awaiting the detailed judgment, the MEA emphasized its close coordination with the legal team and the families to determine the next course of action.
India’s Ambassador to Qatar, Vipul, and other officials, accompanied by family members of the detained individuals, were present in the Court of Appeal during the proceedings. The MEA reiterated its unwavering support for the individuals since the beginning of the matter and pledged to provide consular and legal assistance while continuing to engage with Qatari authorities.
The Indian government had appealed against the death penalty imposed on the eight men, accused of espionage, by a Qatar court on October 26. The appeal was accepted by an appellate court in Qatar in late November, leading to multiple hearings.
The detainees, employees of Doha-based Dahra Global, were taken into custody in August 2022, with the charges against them not publicly disclosed by Qatari authorities.
Reports suggested they were charged with spying for Israel. Consular access to the Indian envoy was granted on December 3, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during the COP28 summit on December 1.
The eight men had been overseeing the induction of Italian small stealth submarines U2I2 in their private capacity with Dahra Global.
The individuals include 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.
The death penalty verdict had elicited a strong reaction from India, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with the families of the detainees, assuring them of the government’s utmost commitment to the case.
Additionally, the families submitted a mercy plea to the Emir of Qatar in their efforts to seek clemency.