Death penalty to eight ex-Indian Navy sailors in Qatar; 'Shocking' says India

DOHA: In a 'shocking judgment' as described by the foreign ministry of India, a Qatar court sentenced death penalty to eight former Indian navy officials. All of them were detained in Qatar just one year ago and are placed in solitary confinement. Qatar has not made any public revelation about the charges committed against the Indian citizens.

The list of eight ex-navy men detained also includes few celebrated officers. All of them were working for Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private firm that provides adept training to Qatar’s armed forces and intelligence agencies.

Over this one-year time in detention, the bail plea raised by the eight ex-navy officials was denied multiple times. In recent times, the court even ordered an extension to their jail period. Commander (retired) Purnendu Tiwari who was one among the eight people detained, was a former Navy official who commanded several warships while on duty.

Meanwhile, MEA expressed shock at the judgment passed by Qatar.

“We are deeply shocked with the verdict pronounced by Qatar. A detailed judgment is awaited. India will surely seek amelioration with Qatar on this matter and all consular and legal assistance will be ensured” MEA responded to the issue.

However, according to various reports emerging from Indian news outlets such as Hindustan Times, the eight ex-Navy officials have been detained by Qatar for charges of espionage. Recently, an Indian journalist and his wife were deported by Qatar for reporting this case.