Qatar frees 8 former Navy veterans: A quick chronology of events since their arrest

The eight Indian nationals were arrested on August 30, 2022, reportedly in connection with an alleged espionage case.

On February 12, the Indian government expressed its appreciation for the release of eight former Navy veterans who had previously faced the death penalty in Qatar in August 2022. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement thanking the government of Qatar for their role in the release of these eight Indian nationals.

The Navy veterans had been sentenced to death by Qatar's Court of First Instance on October 26, 2023. In response to the shocking ruling, New Delhi vowed to explore all available legal options in the case.

Here's a quick timeline of events that followed after the arrest of the former Navy personnel:

August 30, 2022: The eight Indian nationals were arrested on August 30, reportedly in connection with an alleged espionage case.

October 2022: In October 2022, these individuals were detained in Qatar on accusations of allegedly spying on a submarine program.

March 2023: Charges were formally filed against the former Navy veterans on March 25, following which they underwent legal proceedings under Qatari law.

May 2023: In May, the employer - Al-Dhara Global - suspended its operations in Doha, leading to the return of all its employees, primarily Indians, to their home country.

October 26, 2023: Qatar's Court of First Instance handed down death sentences to the eight Indians. New Delhi had expressed deep shock at the ruling and committed to exploring all legal avenues.

November 9, 2023: An appeal against the death sentence was filed, and a higher court in Qatar admitted the plea, initiated by the legal team representing the detained Indian nationals.

November 16, 2023: New Delhi conveyed that the appeal process against the death sentence was ongoing, expressing hope for a positive outcome. The MEA spokesperson had stated that India remained engaged with Qatari authorities, and would continue providing legal and consular assistance.

November 23, 2023: India's appeal against the death penalty was accepted.

December 1, 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during the COP28 summit in Dubai. The focus of their meeting included conversations about bilateral collaboration and the welfare of the Indian community residing in Qatar.

December 3, 2023: The Indian ambassador to Qatar, Arindam Bagchi, engaged with the former Navy personnel. Bagchi mentioned that two hearings regarding the appeal against the death sentence have already been conducted.

December 7, 2023: The Indian ambassador to Qatar met with the eight former Navy personnel, discussing the ongoing appeal against the death sentence. Two hearings on the appeal had already occurred.

December 27, 2023: A Qatari appellate court reduced the death sentence of the eight Indian veterans. India welcomed the decision, acknowledging it as a diplomatic victory, especially after PM Modi's meeting with the Emir of Qatar.

January 4, 2024: A week after the commutation of the death sentences, the MEA announced a 60-day window to appeal the case in Qatar's highest court.

February 12: Qatar freed the eight Indian Navy veterans. The MEA issued an official statement expressing appreciation for the decision, welcoming the release of seven out of the eight individuals who had returned to India. The statement acknowledged the Amir of the State of Qatar for enabling the release and homecoming of these nationals.