DOHA, Qatar – The Court of Appeals in Qatar has made a significant decision in the case of the eight Indian naval officials who were previously sentenced to death for spying for Israel. The court has reduced the original sentence, but the exact details of the reduction have not yet been disclosed by the Indian government.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the court’s verdict in a press release, stating that they are awaiting the detailed judgment and are in close contact with the legal team and family members of the officials. Emphasizing the sensitivity of the case, the ministry added that it would not be appropriate to make further comments at this time.
The case involves the accusation that the Indian Navy officers provided Israel with confidential information about a submarine project of the Qatari Navy. The officers were employed by Dahra Global Technologies and Consulting Services, a technical firm that assisted with the project.
Following the decision to impose the death penalty, the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs engaged in diplomatic talks with Qatar, leading to a review of the ruling according to Qatari legal procedures. The appeal led to Thursday’s ruling by the Court of Appeal.
Dahra Global Technologies and Consulting Services, owned by an Omani national, was involved in a project to acquire advanced Italian-built submarines for Qatar. The company was also responsible for training Qatar’s security services and armed forces, but was shut down after Qatar accused it of transferring secret documents and spying for Israel.
In conclusion, the Court of Appeals in Qatar has reduced the death sentence of the eight Indian naval officers accused of spying for Israel. The Indian government is awaiting the detailed judgment and is in close contact with the legal team and family members to determine the next steps. The case has involved diplomatic talks between India and Qatar, and the accused officers were employed by a company that was shut down after being accused of spying for Israel.