Qatar court drops death sentence for 8 Indians, New Delhi says

Shutterstock [For illustration]

A Qatar court has dropped the death sentence imposed on eight Indian former naval officers arrested there last year, India's foreign ministry said on Thursday.

The eight men, who were condemned to death in October, had been accused of spying for Israel, according to sources - though India and Qatar have not confirmed the charges.

India's foreign ministry did not say what new sentence or penalty the men would now face.

It "noted the verdict today of the Court of Appeal of Qatar" in which the sentences "have been reduced".

"We are in close touch with the legal team as well as the family members to decide on the next steps," and will "continue to take up the matter with the Qatari authorities," it added.

It declined to comment on the case further "due to the confidential and sensitive nature of proceedings".

India expressed shock when Qatar's Court of First Instance imposed the death penalty on the eight men who were working on a submarine project with a private company for the Qatari authorities.

More from International News

News

  • UAE soldier dies during training mission

    The UAE Ministry of Defence has announced the death of soldier Issa Ghuloom Al Baloushi, who passed away during a training mission in the country on Saturday.

  • UAE expresses concern over military escalation in Sudan

    The UAE has expressed deep concern over the continued military escalation by the two warring parties in several areas of Sudan, including El Obeid, and the impact on civilians and the worsening humanitarian situation.

  • UAE steps up relief aid for Lebanon

    Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE is sending humanitarian aid to people affected by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon through the UAE Aid Agency.