New Delhi: The Qatari Court on Thursday commuted the death penalty sentence of eight ex-Indian naval officers it had arrested last year in the Dahra Global case, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press statement. The sentence has now been reduced to jail terms.
Describing the judgement, MEA said, "We have noted the verdict today of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, in which the sentences have been reduced."
#BREAKING_NEWS: Big relief to eight former Indian Navy personnel jailed in Qatar with death penalty; Death sentence halted#Qatar #IndianNavey pic.twitter.com/OLJKCmeswQ
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The MEA also said that the detailed judgement in the case is awaited and are in close touch with the legal team in Qatar.
The eight Indian nationals have been imprisoned in Qatar since October 2022 and were accused of allegedly spying on a submarine programme. The retired naval personnel were sentenced to death by a Qatar court on charges that have not yet been made public officially.
Earlier this month, MEA informed that two hearings have taken place in the case. (with ANI inputs)