In a big relief to the families of eight former Indian Navy personnel on the death row in Qatar, the Appellate Court in Qatar has reduced the sentences given to eight former Indian Navy personnel, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
Last month, eight individuals were found guilty in relation to an alleged espionage case.
“We have noted the verdict today of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, in which the sentences have been reduced,” the MEA said.
India yet to officially get copy of verdict by Qatari court against 8 Indianshttps://t.co/cahMV5zaNN pic.twitter.com/CPKcnX58A1
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“We are in close touch with the legal team as well as the family members to decide on the next steps.” said, MEA.
Though a detailed judgement is awaited, according to the sources, the verdict reduces the death penalty of former Navy officers to jail term. They will now face jail terms the duration of which would vary depending on the charges against each individual.
The MEA has assured, that the Indian government will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance to the Indian citizens and also continue to take up the matter with the Qatari authorities.
Also Read: Qatar sentences eight ex-Indian Navy personnel to death; Government considers legal options
According to the sources, the eight men, who were condemned to death were accused of spying for Israel, though India and Qatar have not confirmed the charges.
India expressed shock when Qatar’s Court of First Instance imposed the death penalty on the eight men who were working on a submarine project with a private company for the Qatari authorities.
The commutation of the death sentence is the first legal win for New Delhi, almost a year-and-half after the detention and arrest of the former Indian Navy personnel in Qatar.
More than 8,00,000 Indian citizens live and work in Qatar, which is also a significant provider of natural gas for India.
