A court in Qatar has handed down the death penalty to eight former Indian Navy officials who have been detained in the country for over a year.
The men, including decorated officers who once commanded major Indian warships, were working for Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private firm that provided training and related services to Qatar’s armed forces.
Their bail pleas were rejected numerous times and their detention extended by Qatari authorities.
The Indian government expressed shock over the sentencing and vowed to explore all available legal options to secure the release of its citizens.
“We have initial information that the Court of First Instance of Qatar has today passed a judgment in the case involving 8 Indian employees of Al Dahra company. We are deeply shocked by the verdict of death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgment,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
“We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options,” it added.
“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. Due to the confidential nature of proceedings of this case, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this juncture,” the Ministry further said.
