Eight former Indian Navy officers have received the death penalty in Qatar on charges of espionage for Israel, according to sources. Describing the verdict as “shocking,” the Indian foreign ministry expressed its reluctance to provide extensive comments due to the “confidential nature of proceedings” but assured that it would contest the case.
“We have initial information that the Court of First Instance of Qatar has today passed a judgement in the case involving 8 Indian employees of Al Dahra company.
We are deeply shocked by the verdict of death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgement. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options.
We attach high importance to this case, and have been following it closely. We will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also take up the verdict with Qatari authorities.
Due to the confidential nature of proceedings of this case, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this juncture.” an MEA press release stated.
These individuals, who include decorated officers with prior command of significant Indian warships, were employed by Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private company that offered training and related services to Qatar’s armed forces. Some of them were reportedly involved in a highly sensitive project concerning Italian technology-based midget submarines with stealth capabilities.
These men have been detained since August 2022, and New Delhi has been actively working to secure their release after gaining consular access. The trial commenced in March.
Meetu Bhargava, sister of one the former officers detained, had sought help from the government to bring her brother back.
Eight #IndianNavy veterans who had served the motherland are in illegal custody/detention in Doha (Qatar) for 57 days as on date. Request & plead our Indian Govt to act fast & get all these distinguished officers repatriated to India without any further delays @narendramodi
— Meetu Bhargava (@DrMeetuBhargava) October 25, 2022
