Qatar sentences eight Indians to death after accusing them of espionage

Qatar had accused the eight retired Navy officers of espionage on submarine project
A stock image of a submarine
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Josh Salisbury26 October 2023

Qatar has sentenced eight Indian nationals to death after accusing them of spying.

According to Indian media reports, the eight men are retired Indian navy officers who worked for a private company advising the Qatari government on the acquisition of submarines.

India's External Affairs Ministry said in a statement it was awaiting the detailed judgment in the case.

“We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options," it said.

"We attach high importance to this case and have been following it closely. We will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also take up the verdict with Qatari authorities."

The statement did not provide further details.

Indian foreign ministry officials, including Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, have earlier said that the exact nature of the charges against the eight Indian men is “not entirely clear".

Qatar's government has refused to comment on the sentences. The Indian nationals, who were employed by the Al Dahra consultancy company, were taken into custody in August last year.

Qatari authorities provided New Delhi consular access to the eight Indian nationals during their trial.

Millions of Indians live and work in the Gulf, a large number of them as semi-skilled or unskilled workers.

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