In a significant development, the Qatari Court has decided to commute the death penalty of eight Bharatiya citizens, who were arrested last year in the Dahra Global case. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed this decision, stating that the death sentences have been reduced to jail terms.
The MEA issued a press statement describing the verdict, stating, “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 judgment in the case is still awaited, and the MEA is in close contact with the legal team in Qatar.
The MEA emphasized its commitment to providing consular and legal assistance to the Indian nationals involved in the case. The ministry stated, “We have stood by them since the beginning of the matter and will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also continue to take up the matter with the Qatari authorities.”
The eight Bharat nationals have been in Qatari imprisonment since October 2022, facing accusations of allegedly spying on a submarine program. The retired naval personnel were initially sentenced to death by a Qatar court on charges that have not been officially disclosed.
Earlier this month, the MEA disclosed that two hearings had taken place in the case. “There have been two hearings. We filed an appeal, with the families, and the detainees had a final appeal. Two hearings have since been held,” said the MEA spokesperson. The upcoming hearing is expected to take place soon.
Furthermore, the Court of First Instance of Qatar had initially passed the judgment against the eight individuals, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. The case has been closely monitored by Bharat authorities, with the Ambassador to Qatar and other officials present during the Court of Appeal’s recent decision.
In the backdrop of these legal developments, the MEA also highlighted the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad. The leaders discussed bilateral partnerships and the well-being of the Indian community living in Qatar during their meeting on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai.
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