A court in Qatar has sentenced eight former Indian Navy personnel to the death penalty who have been detained on undisclosed charges since August 2022, said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday.
Verdict in the case of 8 Indians detained in Qatar: We are deeply shocked by the verdict of death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgement. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options. We attach high importance to this… pic.twitter.com/l6yAg1GoJe
— ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2023
The MEA expresses its profound shock at the death penalty verdict and is eagerly awaiting the detailed judgment. The MEA is in constant communication with the family members and the legal team, actively exploring all available legal avenues. This case holds immense significance for us, and we have been vigilantly monitoring its progression. Our commitment to providing consular and legal support remains unwavering, and we will also address the verdict with Qatari authorities.
Read More: Moscow Regrets That UNSC Fell Short Of Expectations: Russia’s Envoy To UN
The eight individuals, among them highly decorated officers who have commanded significant Indian warships, were employed by Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private company specializing in training and related services for Qatar’s armed forces. Despite their repeated attempts for bail, Qatari authorities extended their detention.
Read More: ‘Hamas Members Are Dead Men Walking’: Netanyahu As Israeli Tanks Surround Gaza
Notably, the seventh hearing in the case of these eight individuals occurred on October 3. India is closely monitoring the developments within the “court of first instance,” as confirmed by Bagchi during a routine news briefing. Bagchi also mentioned, “We anticipate a verdict later this month,” though he refrained from providing specific details. When asked whether Qatari authorities had formally presented the previously undisclosed charges against the individuals in court, Bagchi affirmed, “Yes, the charges were presented during the hearings, but I won’t delve into the legal aspects of it.”