Hope for 8 ex-Navy on death row: Qatar reduces sentences, says MEA
Eight ex-Indian Navy personnel on death row in Qatar see hope as sentences reduced - MEA awaits detailed judgment.
New Delhi: A glimmer of hope emerged for eight former Indian Navy personnel sentenced to death in Qatar, as the Gulf nation on Thursday reduced their sentences, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced.
In a statement, the MEA confirmed the Court of Appeal of Qatar had softened the punishment in the "Dahra Global case," but did not disclose the new sentence or the court's specific reasoning. "We have noted the verdict today... in which the sentences have been reduced. The detailed judgement is awaited," the statement read.
Underscoring India's ongoing effort to secure the men's release, the MEA stated that Ambassador to Qatar, officials, and families of the ex-Navy personnel were present during the appeals hearing. "We have stood by them since the beginning and will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also continue to take up the matter with the Qatari authorities," the statement assured.
The development marks a significant shift from October 2023, when a Qatari court initially handed the death penalty to the eight men, sending shockwaves across India. The decorated former Navy officers, who had been employed by Qatar's private firm Al Dahra Global, reportedly faced charges of espionage, though the government hasn't officially confirmed this.
Despite the sentence reduction, their legal battle isn't over. The MEA confirmed two appeal hearings had already taken place in November, and more proceedings are expected soon.
This positive development comes just weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad, in Dubai. This engagement is seen as a potential catalyst for further progress in securing the ex-Navy personnel's release.
While the reduced sentence offers a glimmer of hope, the lack of details on the new judgment and the ongoing legal proceedings leaves a veil of uncertainty over the men's ultimate fate. The Indian government's continued support and engagement with Qatari authorities remain crucial in securing their safe return.
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