Big Relief For 8 Ex-Indian Navy Personnel As Qatar Court Reduces Death Sentence To Jail Term

In the case of eight Indians in the custody of Qatari authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said their sentences have been reduced by the court of appeal. They will now face jail terms the duration of which would vary depending on the charges against each individual.

The eight retired Indian Navy personnel, working for a defence services provider company in Qatar, were taken into custody by the authorities there in 2022. The Qatar court announced the death penalty for these men on October 26.

India had filed an appeal after eight individuals– seven officers and one sailor– were sentenced to death on spying charges in Qatar.

In a statement, the MEA said it will also continue to take up the matter with the Qatari authorities and it is in close touch with the legal team as well as the family members to decide on the next steps.

“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. The detailed judgement is awaited… Our Ambassador to Qatar and other officials were present in the Court of Appeal today, along with the family members,” the minister said.

“We have stood by them since the beginning of the matter and we will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of proceedings of this case, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this juncture,” it added.

Qatari Court Reduces Death Sentence of 8 Navy Veterans: Who Are These Decorated Officers, Training Specialists

Who Are 8 Ex-Indian Navy Personnel?

The former Indian Navy personnel have been identified as 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. Among them are decorated officers who have commanded major Indian warships.

What Are Charges Against Them?

The eight former personnel of the Indian Navy, arrested in an alleged case of espionage, were given the death sentence by Qatar’s Court of First Instance in October. The Indian nationals, all employees of Doha-based Dahra Global, were taken into custody in August 2022. The charges against them were not made public by Qatari authorities.

Ruling Needs Confirmation From Constitutional Bench: Sources

Top government sources said this is a lower court judgement and needs confirmation from the constitutional bench.

“We have hopes in relief in the Qatar death penalty case for Indians. This judgement is not confirmed. This is a lower court judgement and needs confirmation from the constitutional bench. We are going to appeal to the higher court and will place all evidence in support of Indians. We are hoping that this punishment will be mitigated,” sources said.

“We are also going to request Qatari authorities through back channels. All legal aid will be provided to all these Indians. Indian mission is already doing its job and we are hopeful that Qatar will take a compassionate view in this case,” they added.