Qatar Court Accepts India’s Appeal against Death Penalty of Former-Navy Personnel

A Qatari court has accepted the appeal documents regarding the sentencing of eight former Indian naval personnel to death, as per sources familiar with the matter.

India filed an appeal against the death penalty awarded to the eight ex-Indian Navy personnel in Qatar. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on November 9, stated that the judgment remains “confidential,” and the appeal was filed in the case.

The MEA urged caution against “engaging in speculation” due to the sensitive nature of the case. It was noted that the Indian embassy received consular access on November 7.

MEA chief spokesperson Arindam Bagchi mentioned that Qatar’s court passed a judgment on October 26 in the case involving eight employees of Al Dara company. The retired naval personnel were sentenced to death on charges not officially disclosed. Bagchi stated that the legal team is pursuing further legal steps, and an appeal has already been filed.

“The judgment is confidential and has only been shared with the legal team. They are now pursuing further legal steps, and an appeal has already been filed. We will also remain engaged with the Qatari authorities in this matter,” said the MEA spokesperson during a weekly media briefing.

The MEA has actively coordinated with Qatari authorities and secured consular access on November 7. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has met with the family members of the former naval personnel who were sentenced.

“On November 7, the Indian embassy in Doha received another consular access to the detainees. We are in touch with their family members too. External Affairs Minister met the family members earlier this month in New Delhi,” Bagchi informed during the media briefing.

The eight former Indian Navy personnel, employees of Dahra Global, a Doha-based private defense services provider, were arrested in August 2022 for alleged espionage.

India termed the ruling ‘deeply shocking’ and has employed all diplomatic channels to engage with Qatar on this case. The MEA emphasized continuing to extend legal and consular support, urging everyone not to engage in speculation due to the case’s sensitive nature.

Families and friends of the detained ex-naval personnel are hopeful for early relief, expressing concern about misconceptions originating in West Asian media. Allegations of spying on a submarine project run by Qatar were denied by the families, stating that their loved ones were in Qatar to assist with the country’s naval program.

The families stressed the need for more sensitive reporting and handling of the matter. On October 30, the families met with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, who assured them of full government support.