The 8 Indians (former naval officers) who were hanged in Qatar on charges of alleged espionage have got a big relief. On India’s appeal, Qatar’s court has stopped his execution and reduced his sentence. The Ministry of External Affairs has given this information.
These Indians, who had worked in the Indian Navy, were arrested on charges of espionage on 30 August 2022. On October 26, all eight Indians were sentenced to death.
What were the former officers doing in Qatar?
The 8 former naval officers who were arrested in Qatar worked in a private company named ‘Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy’. This company provides defense services.
Retired squadron leader of Oman Air Force ‘Khamis Al Ajami’ is its head. He was also arrested along with these 8 Indian citizens, although he was released in November.
The 8 Indians include Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Saurabh Vashishtha, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugnakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Commander Amit Nagpal and Sailor Ragesh.
Punishment reduced due to India’s efforts
The State Security Bureau of Qatar’s Intelligence Agency had arrested these 8 former officers in August last year. However, the Indian Embassy was first informed about his arrest in mid-September. Since then, everyone’s bail petitions have been rejected several times.
Expressing surprise at the decision of the Qatari court, the Indian government had said that legal avenues are being explored to provide relief to everyone. It was only on the appeal filed by India that the Qatar Court reduced the death sentence, giving relief to everyone.
Foreign Ministry awaits details of decision
Here, the Foreign Ministry has issued a statement saying that we are waiting for the details of the judgment. Issuing a press release on its website, the ministry said, ‘We have taken note of today’s decision of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, in which the sentences have been reduced.
Our Ambassador to Qatar and other officials were present in the appellate court today along with family members. We have stood by him since the beginning of the case and will continue to provide legal assistance. We will continue to raise this matter with Qatari authorities.
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India (in press release)
The ministry said, ‘We are in constant touch with the legal team as well as family members to decide on the next steps. Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the proceedings of this case, it would not be appropriate to make any further comments at this time. We are waiting for the detailed decision.
