India Files Appeal In Case Of Eight Navy Veterans On Death Row In Qatar

New Delhi: 

India has filed an appeal with Qatar over the death penalty to eight former Navy personnel, who were arrested in August last year for reasons still not known and sentenced last month. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Thursday Delhi has “already filed an appeal”. 

The Indian government had earlier said it is “deeply shocked by the verdict”.

At a scheduled press briefing, Mr Bagchi said case details remain unavailable. “The judgement is confidential… has only been shared with the legal team. We are now pursuing further legal steps.”

“We are in touch with the family (of the eight Naval officers)… if you remember, the External Affairs Minister (S Jaishankar) met their family in Delhi. We will continue to extend all possible legal and consular support,” Mr Bagchi stressed and cautioned against speculation in this sensitive matter.

Consular access to the eight was last provided on Tuesday, Mr Bagchi added.

The eight ex-Navy officers include decorated individuals who once commanded major Indian warships, and were working for Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services when arrested.