Media reports have suggested that Qatar accused the eight Indians of spying for Israel in connection with a covert Qatari program focused on stealth submarines
The Indian Ambassador to Qatar recently gained consular access to eight Indian nationals, former naval personnel, who were sentenced to death by a Qatari court in October. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed this development on December 7, following a media briefing by spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. Notably, Bagchi did not provide a clear response when questioned about whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed the matter of the death penalty during his meeting with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the COP28 Summit in Dubai the previous week.
The Qatari Court of Appeal has accepted the legal appeal filed by the eight Indians against the verdict delivered by the Qatari Court of First Instance. The initial sentence, issued last month, was based on charges of espionage. The MEA spokesperson mentioned that the “next hearing” at the Qatari Court of Appeal is imminent, signifying a potential legal avenue for the individuals facing the death penalty.
The consular access granted to the Indian Ambassador signifies a step in this ongoing diplomatic process, as the legal appeal is set to undergo further examination in the Qatari Court of Appeal
Media reports have suggested that Qatar accused the eight Indians of spying for Israel in connection with a covert Qatari program focused on stealth submarines. These former naval personnel were reportedly employed by Oman-based company Dahra Global Technologies and Consulting Services. They were involved in advising on a Qatari initiative aimed at acquiring advanced Italian-made submarines capable of evading radar detection. The individuals were apprehended in August of the previous year, underwent questioning, and were subsequently convicted and sentenced to death in October.
The specific charges leading to the death sentence have not been officially disclosed by Qatar, and the Indian government has refrained from publicly detailing them. New Delhi had expressed “deep shock” at the October 26 verdict and underscored the significance of the case. The government committed to providing ongoing support to the families of the eight Indians, exploring legal options, and extending consular and legal assistance.
The individuals in Qatari custody were identified as former naval personnel Navtej Singh Gill, Birendra Kumar Verma, Saurabh Vashisht, Amit Nagpal, Purnendu Tiwari, Sugunakar Pakala, and Sanjeev Gupta. Their case has garnered international attention due to the severity of the charges and the subsequent death sentence, prompting diplomatic efforts to address the matter and seek a fair resolution. The consular access granted to the Indian Ambassador signifies a step in this ongoing diplomatic process, as the legal appeal is set to undergo further examination in the Qatari Court of Appeal.
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