Eight Indians sentenced to death in Qatar get relief from reduction in sentence

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said India has taken note of the verdict in the Dahra Global case in which the sentence of eight former Indian Navy personnel on death row has been commuted.

The Foreign Ministry said, “We have taken note of today’s decision of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, in which the sentence has been reduced.”

A detailed decision is awaited. “We are in touch with the legal team as well as family members to decide on the next step,” the officer said.

“Our Ambassador to Qatar and other officials were present at the appeals court today along with family members. We have stood with them since the beginning of the case and will continue to provide all consular and legal assistance. We will also continue to raise this matter with the Qatari authorities,” the ministry said.

The Ministry of External Affairs said, “Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the proceedings in this matter, it would not be appropriate to make any further comments at this time.”

Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs had said India has filed an appeal with Qatar on the death sentence awarded to eight former Indian Navy personnel, who were arrested in August last year and sentenced last month.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said, “There is a first instance court in Qatar which on October 26 gave its verdict in the case involving eight Indian employees of Al Dahra Company.”

He said the order is “confidential” and has been shared with the legal team.