Qatar court reduces sentence of 8 ex-Navy men on death row, details remain undisclosed

In a glimmer of hope for eight former Indian Navy personnel sentenced to death in Qatar, the Court has reduced their sentences, according to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday. However, the specific nature of the reduced sentences and the court's statement is not disclosed. 

Qatar court commutes death sentence 8 Indian ex-Navy personnel, says MEA; To continue to take up the matter with Qatari authorities, the ministry adds. https://t.co/FyOJ22SCXW

— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2023

The MEA's statement reads, "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." 

Indian officials and families present in court

The statement adds that India's Ambassador to Qatar, along with other officials and family members of the incarcerated ex-Navy personnel, were present during the court proceedings. The MEA repeated its support for the men, stating, "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."

Death penalty: A shock to India

Earlier in October 2023, the Qatar court handed the death penalty to the eight Indian navy personnel which created immense tension between India and Qatar. The eight men, including decorated officers who previously commanded major Indian warships, were detained in Qatar for over a year after being accused of espionage while working for a private firm offering training and related services to Qatar's military and security agencies.

Details of charges and next steps remain unclear

Despite the MEA's confirmation of reduced sentences, the specific charges levelled against the men and the nature of the reduced penalties remain undisclosed. Furthermore, no date has been set for the release of the detailed judgment.

High-level diplomacy involved

The development comes just weeks after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad, in Dubai. While the specific agenda of the meeting remains confidential, it is expected that the fate of the Indian Navy personnel was discussed, contributing to the outcome.