Qatar Court Reduces Punishment Of 8 Indian Navy Officers, Says MEA

The Court of Appeal of Qatar has dropped the death sentence of eight retired Indian Navy officers currently held on espionage charges, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Qatar's Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during the COP28 meeting in Dubai.

In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged the Court's decision in the Dahra Global case, reducing the sentences. Awaited is the detailed judgment, with the ministry maintaining close contact with legal representatives and family members to determine the next steps.

It said, "Our Ambassador to Qatar and other officials were present in the Court of Appeal today, along with the family members. We have stood by them since the beginning of the matter and we will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also continue to take up the matter with the Qatari authorities."

The MEA added, "Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of proceedings of this case, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this juncture."

The former Indian Navy personnel received the death sentence on October 26, 2023, after their arrest in August 2022. They were associated with Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private firm based in Doha.