In a significant turn of events, the Court of Appeal in Qatar has delivered its verdict in the Dahra Global case, resulting in reduced sentences for the individuals involved.
The development comes weeks after Qatar’s Court of First Instance accepted the appeal filed by the Indian government against the death sentence awarded to the Navy veterans.
MEA issues an official statement
“We have noted the verdict today of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, in which the sentences have been reduced. The detailed judgement is awaited. We are in close touch with the legal team as well as the family members to decide on the next steps.”
According to the official statement issued on Thursday afternoon (Dec 28, 2023), by MEA, from the start of the case the Ambassador to Qatar and other officials have stood by the implicated individuals and their families. This has continued during the Court of Appeal session, underscoring India’s dedication to supporting its citizens abroad.
Given the confidential and sensitive nature of the case, “it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this juncture,” according to the official statement.
“We have stood by them since the beginning of the matter and we will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also continue to take up the matter with the Qatari authorities.”
It has been reported previously that in November the Qatar court had accepted an appeal against the death sentence to the eight Indian Navy veterans. This had raised hope for a relaxation in the extreme punishment that was announced for them in an alleged case of espionage.
On November 9, India had filed the appeal after the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement had assured that the Navy veterans would be provided “all legal and consular access” and that the issue would be taken up with the Qatar authorities as well.
Sources had stated that the whole legal process will take time since this was the first step in the three -tier judicial system the Gulf nation has. Also, it has been reported previously that the families of the jailed naval officers were provided access by Qatar authorities.