New Delhi: In a notable development, an appellate court in Qatar has provided some relief to eight Indian Navy veterans, commuting their death sentences. The Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged the court’s decision in the Dahra Global case, noting a reduction in the severity of the sentences. However, the ministry refrained from specifying the extent of the relief, awaiting a detailed judgment.
The sensitive nature of the case prompted the ministry to exercise discretion, refraining from offering further comments at this juncture. It assured continued collaboration with the legal team and family members to navigate the next steps.
This development comes as a diplomatic win for India, especially following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s discussions on the well-being of the Indian community in Qatar during his meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on December 1.
The eight Indian nationals, affiliated with Doha-based Al Dahra Global Technologies, faced arrest in August 2022 over an alleged espionage case. Although the specific charges were not disclosed by Qatari authorities, they were initially sentenced to death by Qatar’s Court of First Instance in October of the same year.
India promptly appealed the death sentence to the Court of Appeal in Qatar last month, with the Indian Ambassador and officials present during the recent court proceedings alongside the family members.
The ministry’s statement underscored ongoing support for the individuals involved, committing to provide consular and legal assistance. Positive responses have been received from political parties, former diplomats, security experts, and others.
Former Navy spokesperson D K Sharma expressed cautious optimism, stating, “This is great news, but this is the first step. The final aim is to bring them home, and we are hoping and praying for that.” Sharma highlighted the potential use of legal provisions and the bilateral agreement on sentenced persons between India and Qatar to facilitate the return of the veterans.
While the commutation of the death sentence marks a significant milestone, Sharma cautioned against premature expectations of an immediate release, emphasizing the likelihood of a sequential process that may take time. The 2015 agreement between India and Qatar facilitates the transfer of sentenced persons, provided certain conditions are met, including the absence of pending criminal proceedings and the finality of the judgment.
