The Court of First instance of Qatar has passed a
verdict of death penalty for the eight former naval officers who were detained
in Doha, said the Ministry of External Affairs.
The MEA said it is “deeply shocked” by the verdict and
now awaits the detailed judgement.
“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,” the MEA said in an official press release.
“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,” it added.
This matter is very important to us, the MEA said
adding that they have been keeping a close eye on it.
“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,” said the
MEA release.
“Due to the confidential nature of proceedings of this
case, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this juncture,”
it added.
The eight Indian nationals have been imprisoned in
Qatar since October 2022. New Delhi had been granted consular access to the
eight Indians and had been working to secure their release. The Indian
nationals had their first trial in late March.
Meetu Bhargava, who is the sister of one the officers
detained and lives in Gwalior, sought help from the Indian Government to bring
her brother back.
In a post on X on June 8 she had appealed to Prime
Minister Narendra Modi to intervene.
ANI
