Death Sentences Commuted: Relief for Ex-Navy Personnel in Qatar

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday announced that the sentences of eight former Indian Navy personnel, currently facing the death penalty in Qatar, have been commuted, likely resulting in lengthy prison terms.

"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...The detailed judgement is awaited," read the statement issued by the MEA. The Indian government has stated that it is in constant communication with the legal team and family members of the ex-navy men to determine the next course of action. "We have stood by them since the beginning, and we will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also continue to take up the matter with Qatari authorities," informed the Ministry of External Affairs.

In October, a Qatari court declared the death penalty for eight former Navy personnel who had been held in the country for more than a year. Among those detained were distinguished Navy officers who had commanded significant Indian warships. The former Navy men who have been arrested are Purnendu Tiwari, Sugunakar Pakala, Amit Nagpal, and Sanjeev Gupta, holding the rank of Commanders, along with Navtej Singh Gill, Birendra Kumar Verma, and Saurabh Vasisht, who are Captains. The eighth individual is Sailor Ragesh Gopakumar.

They had been employed by the Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services in Qatar, a private company offering training and related services to the country's armed forces and security agencies. Despite numerous attempts, their requests for bail were consistently denied, leading to prolonged detention by Qatari authorities. The Indian government had conveyed their disapproval over the imposition of the death penalty.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of External Affairs had stated that two hearings had taken place in connection with the case. MEA spokesperson Arindham Bagchi said, "There have been two hearings. We filed an appeal, with the families, and the detainees had a final appeal. Two hearings have since been held. One was on November 30th and the other was on November 23rd. I think the next hearing is coming up soon."

This announcement follows a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad, in Dubai.