Eight former Indian Navy personnel were sentenced to death by a court in Qatar on Thursday. The accused men have been detained in Qatar for over a year. The Indian government expressed deep shock in the verdict and vowed to contest the sentencing in all possible legal ways to release its citizens.
Reacting to the sentence, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said “We are deeply shocked by verdict of death penalty and are awaiting detailed judgement.” “We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options,” read the MEA statement.
“We attach high importance to this case, and have been following it closely. We will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also take up the verdict with Qatari authorities,” it added. Reportedly, the eight men were charged with espionage.
The eight men, including officers who have commanded major Indian warships, were working for Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private firm that provided training and services to Qatar’s armed forces.
The bail pleas by the men were rejected multiple times and their detention was extended by Qatari authorities.
