Indians on death row in Qatar: MEA appeals against verdict

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi (file)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on November 9 that an appeal has been filed against the death sentence awarded last month to eight former Indian Navy personnel by a court in Qatar.

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India will keep providing the imprisoned Indians with all legal and consular support, adding that on November 7, the Indian embassy in Doha was granted an opportunity to speak with the detained Indians.

Bagchi further stated that all legal possibilities will be explored and termed the verdict "deeply" disturbing.

Bagchi said at his weekly media briefing, "As we had informed earlier, the court of first instance of Qatar passed a judgment on October 26 in the case involving 8 Indian employees, the judgment is confidential and has only been shared with the legal team. They are now pursuing further legal steps. An appeal has already been filed."

"We will also remain engaged with the Qatari authorities in this matter. On November 7, our embassy in Doha received another consular access to the detainees. We are in touch with their family members too.... We will continue to extend all legal and consular support, and I would urge everyone not to engage in speculation considering the sensitive nature of the case," Bagchi also said.

The Indian nationals, who worked with private company Al Dahra, were arrested in August last year reportedly in an alleged case of espionage.
Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta and Sailor Ragesh were arrested by Qatar intelligence agency on August 30, 2022. In March this year, charges were filed, but the details were not made public by Qatari authorities.

Also Read: What are the options before India to secure release of 8 former Navy officials?

The Qatari Emir pardons a number of prisoners every year based on appeals for clemency, and there is also the option of New Delhi pitching for using an India-Qatar agreement on the transfer of sentenced prisoners, news agency earlier reported citing people familiar with the matter.

Also Read: The 8 Indian men facing death penalty in Qatar

The 2015 pact provides for the completion of sentences by each other’s prisoners in their home country.