Qatar's Court of Appeal commuted the death sentences of eight Indian Navy veterans, sentenced two months ago, to varying prison terms on Thursday (December 28), according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The MEA acknowledged the verdict in the Dahra Global case and mentioned the presence of Vipul, the Indian ambassador to Qatar, and the veterans' family members during the court proceedings.
Key points:
- Eight Indian Navy veterans' death sentences were commuted to imprisonment in Qatar.
- MEA remains in touch with the legal team and families to decide the next steps.
- Specific prison terms are yet to be revealed.
- India reiterates its commitment to providing support and engaging with Qatar.
- Commutation opens the door for potential repatriation under a bilateral agreement.
Awaiting a detailed judgment, the MEA stated that it is in close contact with the legal team and family members to determine the next steps. Emphasizing the confidential and sensitive nature of the case, the ministry refrained from making further comments at this time but reiterated its commitment to providing consular and legal assistance. The MEA highlighted its continuous efforts to engage with Qatari authorities on the matter.
The statement did not specify the extent of the reduction in the veterans' sentences but indicated that they have been given varying prison terms. The individuals affected by this decision are Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commodore Amit Nagpal, Commodore Purnendu Tiwari, Commodore Sugunakar Pakala, Commodore Sanjeev Gupta, and Sailor Ragesh.
In a development that followed their detention for over a year, the Court of First Instance in Qatar, on October 26, had initially handed the death penalty to these veterans. Employed by the now-defunct Omani private firm Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, the veterans were contracted for providing training and related services to Qatar’s armed forces. Though the specific charges were not disclosed, media reports suggested the possibility of espionage-related charges.
India, expressing deep shock at the October verdict, refrained from further comments. Subsequently, the Court of Appeal accepted the Indian government's appeal against the death sentences about four weeks later.
The opposition Congress party in India expressed relief at the Court of Appeals' decision, expressing hope not only for the overturning of the jail sentences but also for the release of the veterans. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh shared the party's immediate relief and hoped that the jail sentences replacing the death penalty would be set aside, allowing the officers to be released.
With the commutation of their death sentences, the eight Indian Navy veterans are now eligible for repatriation to India under the 2015 bilateral agreement for the transfer of sentenced persons, enabling prisoners to serve their sentences in their home country.
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