8 Navy veterans sentenced to death in Qatar

The Indian government on Thursday expressed surprise at the news of death sentence being awarded to eight former Indian Navy personnel detained in Qatar since last year and said it will oppose the order.

“Qatar’s Court of First Instance has today delivered its verdict in the case involving 8 Indian employees of Al Dahra Company. We are deeply shocked by the death penalty decision and are waiting for the detailed verdict. “We are in touch with the family members and the legal team and we are exploring all legal options,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

“We attach great importance to this matter, and are following it closely. We will continue to provide all consular and legal assistance. We will also raise the decision with the Qatari authorities.

The statement further said, due to the confidential nature of the proceedings in this case, it would not be appropriate to make any further comments at this time.

Eight people were arrested last year after Qatar authorities accused them of spying for Israel.

These people include respected officers who once commanded major Indian warships, working for Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private firm that provided training and related services to Qatar’s armed forces.

His bail petitions were rejected several times and Qatari authorities extended his detention.

On Thursday, Qatar’s court of first instance issued a verdict.