Eight Navy veterans’ death sentences reduced by Qatar Court
Eight Navy veterans' death sentences reduced by Qatar Court
Eight former Indian Navy members, who had been detained in August 2022 in connection with an alleged espionage case, had their death sentences commuted by a Qatar court. Much to their relief, weeks after meeting Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, during the COP28 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the verdict represents a diplomatic victory for India.
Government sources familiar with the matter informed that some have now been given life sentences, while others have got reduced terms. The exact details will become clear once the detailed verdict is made available, they said.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that they have noted the verdict of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, in which the sentences have been reduced.
BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh wrote on X “Getting relief from the death sentence of 8 Indian ex-Navy personnel in Qatar is the victory due to the diplomatic efforts of PM Narendra Modi’s foreign policy. This has once again made it clear that the entire world recognizes the success of India’s foreign policy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
The BJP reacted when an appeal court in Qatar overturned the eight people’s death sentences who had been detained in August 2022 on suspicion of espionage.
Last month, India filed a motion with the Court of Appeal in Qatar to overturn the death penalty. The family members were present in the Court of Appeal, along with the ambassador to Qatar and other officials. Since the start of the situation, they have supported them and will keep offering all possible legal and consular support. They will also keep bringing up the issue with the authorities in Qatar.
The ministry stated that it is in close communication with the legal team and the family members to determine the next course of action while it waits for a detailed judgment.
