India’s External Affairs Ministry has lodged an appeal against the death sentences given to eight former Indian Navy personnel by a Qatari court. The individuals, who were employed by an Oman-based company providing training to Qatar’s armed forces, were arrested last year and sentenced last month. India has expressed deep shock at the verdict and is providing legal and consular assistance to the men. The case has put pressure on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with opposition leaders calling for action to bring the men back to India. Taniya Dutta reported
New Delhi Appeals Against Death Sentences for Former Indian Navy Employees in Qatar
New Delhi has lodged an appeal against the death sentences handed down to eight former Indian Navy employees by a court in Qatar, according to India’s External Affairs Ministry. The individuals, including decorated officers, were working for Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, an Oman-based private company providing training and related services to Qatar’s armed forces in Doha.
Arrested by Qatari authorities in August of last year, the eight men were sentenced last month following a trial that commenced in March. The specific charges against them have not been disclosed by either Qatari or Indian authorities.
India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesman, Arindam Bagchi, stated, “The judgment is confidential and has only been shared with the legal team. They are currently examining the next legal steps.” He added that an appeal has been filed, and New Delhi is in contact with Qatari authorities regarding the matter.
The Indian Embassy obtained another round of consular access on November 7, during which they met with the eight individuals. The embassy is also keeping in touch with their family members and is committed to providing extensive legal and consular assistance.
The death sentences, imposed on October 26, shocked New Delhi. The convicted individuals have been identified as Capt Navtej Singh Gill, Cdr Purenendu Tiwari, Capt Saurabh Vasisht, Cdr Sanjeev Gupta, Capt Birendra Kumar Verma, Cdr Sugunakar Pakala, Cdr Amit Nagpal, and sailor Ragesh Gopakumar. All of them had served in the Indian Navy for at least 20 years.
Cdr Tiwari, who was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2019 by the Indian embassy in Doha for enhancing the country’s image abroad, was among the accused. Reports in the Indian media suggest that the men were involved in a project to develop midget submarines with stealth capabilities and were allegedly spying for Israel.
The owner of Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, who was also arrested but reportedly released in November last year, is linked to the case. The situation has placed significant political pressure on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with opposition leaders demanding that his government take necessary actions to bring the men back home.
External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar recently met with the families of the convicted men and assured them of the government’s full support in securing their release.
Updated: November 10, 2023, 7:49 AM
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