Indian Sailors’ Death Sentence Stayed in Qatar: Ministry of External Affairs Intervenes

New Delhi, 28th December 2023: In a significant turn of events, the death sentence of eight Indian sailors arrested in Qatar has been stayed following the intervention of the Indian Foreign Ministry. The Appellate Court of Qatar announced the decision, reducing the severity of the sentence. The Indian Ambassador to Qatar, alongside other officials and family members, played a pivotal role in appealing to the court.

The Ministry of External Affairs expressed unwavering support for the ex-servicemen and their families, emphasizing their commitment since the inception of the Dahra Global case. The ministry assured continued provision of consular and legal assistance, vowing to persistently address the matter with Qatari authorities.

Amidst the unfolding developments, the Ministry of External Affairs refrained from offering further comments, citing the confidential and sensitive nature of the ongoing proceedings.

Highlighting the exhaustive efforts undertaken by the Indian government, it was revealed that an appeal had been filed in another Qatari court to challenge the death sentence imposed on the former marines.

The eight ex-servicemen, retired from the Indian Navy, faced the grave accusation of espionage, leading to their death sentence in a Qatar court back in October. The Government of India left no stone unturned in its pursuit to secure the release of these individuals.

The accusations against the marines revolved around spying for Israel. Qatar’s security agency arrested the eight individuals on August 30. All of them had retired from the Indian Navy and were employed by Al-Dahra Company in Doha. The allegations included stealing information related to Qatar’s submarine project for Israel, leading to their arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.

This development marks a significant diplomatic achievement for India, as the intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs resulted in a favorable outcome for the arrested sailors. The case sheds light on the delicate nature of international relations and the crucial role played by diplomatic channels in addressing such sensitive matters.