In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs has said that the death sentence of the former Indian Navy officers arrested in Qatar has been commuted; the sentence has been reduced to jail terms.

New Delhi: The Qatari Court on Thursday commuted the death penalty sentence of eight ex-Indian naval officers it had arrested last year in the Dahra Global case, Ministry of External Affairs said in a press statement. The sentence has now been reduced to jail terms. Describing the judgement, Ministry of External Affairs said, “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.” This ‘relief-news’ has been notified by the Ministry of External Affairs in a Press Release.

Death Sentences Of Ex-Indian Naval Officers Reduced To Jail Terms

Describing the judgement, Ministry of External Affairs said, “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 also said that the detailed judgement in the case is awaited and are in close touch with the legal team in Qatar.

Ministry Of External Affairs Issues Press Release

MEA added, “The detailed judgement is awaited. We are in close touch with the legal team as well as the family members to decide on the next steps. 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.”

8 Indian Naval Officers Awarded Death Sentence In Qatar – Know Full Case

In August last year, eight former Indian Navy personnel– all employees of the Al Dahra company, were arrested by Qatari authorities for alleged espionage. However, charges levelled against the Indian citizens were not made public by Qatar. Almost a year later, a local court in Qatar awarded death penalty to the officers after being convicted of espionage.

Responding to the Qatari court’s verdict, India termed the decision as “deeply shocking” even as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said that it was exploring all legal options in a bid to provide relief to the convicted Indian nationals.