India Hopes for Positive Outcome in Appeal of Navy Personnel Sentenced to Death in Qatar
India has expressed optimism regarding the appeal filed by the families of eight former Indian Navy personnel who were sentenced to death by a Qatari court, stating that it anticipates a “positive outcome” in the ongoing legal process.
The eight men, including decorated officers of the Indian Navy, faced sentencing by Qatar’s Court of First Instance on October 26 without the charges against them being publicly disclosed. Speculation suggests the accusations revolve around espionage activities.
In a regular media briefing, external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi conveyed that an appeal has been lodged in Qatar’s Court of Appeal, though no official decision has been announced. He emphasized the sensitivity of the case, refraining from divulging details due to the confidentiality of Qatar’s judicial process.
Bagchi assured continued engagement with Qatari authorities, providing both legal and consular assistance to the men involved. Amidst concerns and discussions about the case’s sensitivity, he urged against speculation.
Qatar’s legal system allows appeals from the Court of First Instance to the Court of Appeal and further to the Court of Cassation. India is exploring various options to address the issue, including exploring a 2015 agreement with Qatar for the transfer of convicted prisoners to serve sentences in their home country.
Additionally, approaches to international bodies like the International Court of Justice and appealing for a pardon from Qatar’s ruler are being considered. Traditionally, pardons in Qatar are often granted on National Day and Eid festivals.
The sentenced individuals were linked to an Oman-based Dahra Engineering & Security Services subsidiary that operated within Qatar, overseeing the induction of submarines into the Qatari Navy. Despite the subsidiary’s closure, the legal situation of the former employees remains unresolved.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured the families of the detained men of the government’s unwavering efforts to secure their release during a meeting on October 30.
Responding to reports about the removal of Diwali from the holiday list of Indian schools in Qatar, Bagchi noted that these institutions function under local regulations and that the Indian embassy might have representation in their management. He refrained from confirming if the matter would be raised with Qatari authorities.
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