We will also take up the verdict with Qatari authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs says
A court in Qatar has awarded the death penalty to eight former Indian Navy officers who have been detained in the West Asian country for over a year. The Indian government has expressed deep shock over the verdict delivered on Thursday (October 26, 2023) and said it was exploring all available legal options to secure the release of these Indian nationals.
 
"We have initial information that the Court of First Instance of Qatar has today passed a judgement in the case involving 8 Indian employees of Al Dahra company. 
 
We are deeply shocked by the verdict of death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgement. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday (October 26, 2023).
 
The eight former Indian Navy officers were working for a private company that provided training and related services to Qatar's armed forces.
 
"We attach high importance to this case, and have been following it closely. We will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also take up the verdict with Qatari authorities," the MEA said.
 
"Due to the confidential nature of proceedings of this case, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this juncture," the MEA stated.
 
While the Indian government has not commented on the nature of the charges against the eight, some earlier news reports have suggested that the former Indian Navy officers could have been charged with security-related offences. 
 
The first hearing in the case was held on March 29, 2023 after it was referred to the court by the public prosecution. The Indian Embassy in Doha had been extending necessary consular as well as legal assistance to the detained Indians.