New Delhi: Qatar Court Has accepted the appeal filed by the Narendra Modi government against the death sentences imposed on eight former Indian Navy veterans. These individuals were arrested on charges of alleged spying, and the court has agreed to hear their plea shortly. However, no specific timeline was provided, as reported by a media source.
This move follows a harsh verdict from Qatar’s Court of First Instance a month ago, wherein the eight former Indian Navy personnel were sentenced to death, triggering a wave of concern and diplomatic efforts by the Indian government.
Charges were initially filed against these veterans on March 25, and their trial under Qatari law unfolded. However, the situation escalated dramatically on October 26 when the local court handed down the death sentences. In response, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep shock at the ruling and pledged to explore all available legal options.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a meeting with the families of the former Navy officers in October, assured them of the government’s full support. He emphasized the high importance of the case and reiterated the government’s commitment to securing the release of the eight Indians from Qatar.
The eight retired Indian Navy personnel employed by a defense services provider company in Qatar were taken into custody in 2022 and have since been held in solitary confinement. The Qatari authorities have not specified the reason for their detention.
The delicate nature of India’s ties with Qatar may pose a challenge, as India aims to strengthen its relationship with Qatar, particularly in defense and security cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Qatar in 2016 marked a significant step in this direction. Qatar has the largest number of Indian people living outside India, with 8 lakh Indian nationals.
Family members of the detained individuals claim they were not informed about the arrest until they approached the company.
The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep shock at the death penalty verdict and is actively exploring all legal options. The arrested 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, all ex-Indian Navy personnel employed by Dahra Global.
These Navy personnel, working for a Doha-based company called AlDahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services in Qatar, were arrested in August 2022. Following their arrest last year, there was a minor reprieve when they were moved to a jail ward along with their colleagues.