Qatar authorities sentenced the death of eight former Indian Navy personnel arrested in August last year. India has expressed shock at the verdict and said it will raise the issue with Qatari authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. The officers were jailed on charges that have not been made public.
8 Indian Officers Awarded Death Penalty in Qatar
AI Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private company that provides training and related services to Qatar’s armed forces and security agencies, employed eight men, including decorated office commanders who have commanded major Indian warships. Authorities in Qatar repeatedly refused to release them on bail, and their detention was prolonged.
MEA Press released a statement: “We are deeply shocked by the verdict of the death penalty and have been waiting for more details to be released. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options.”
The ministry said, “We will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also take up the verdict with Qatari authorities.” Refusing to make any further comment at this juncture due to the confidential nature of the proceedings in the case.
Recently, people familiar with the matter told HT on condition of anonymity that the eight men were charged with espionage.
Neither Indian nor Qatari authorities have provided details of the charges against the men, who were held in solitary confinement for a long period of time. The people further said an Indian journalist and his wife were ordered by Qatari authorities to leave the country to report on the case.
