DOHA, Qatar – A court of appeals in Qatar has recently made a decision regarding the case of eight Indian naval officials who were previously convicted of spying for Israel. The death sentence imposed on the officials has been reduced, but the extent of the reduction has not been disclosed by India.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs released a statement confirming the court’s verdict, stating that they are awaiting the detailed judgment from the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case. The ministry also mentioned that they are in close communication with the legal team and the family members of the officials to determine the next steps. The statement emphasized the confidential nature of the case and refrained from making further comments at this time.
The situation arose when the Indian naval officers were found guilty of providing Israel with confidential information about the Qatari Navy’s efforts to develop a stealth-equipped submarine. This led to the officers being sentenced to death by a Qatari court on October 26, 2023.
After the initial imposition of the death penalty, diplomatic talks were held between the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Qatar, leading to a review of the ruling according to Qatari legal procedures. Subsequently, the Court of Appeal in Qatar heard the petition from India, which resulted in the recent decision to reduce the death sentence for the Indian naval officials.
The accused individuals were senior staff members of Dahra Global Technologies and Consulting Services, a firm that had been involved in a project for Qatar involving the acquisition of advanced Italian-built submarines designed to avoid radar detection. The Dahra Global Company, which also provided training for Qatar’s security services and armed forces, ceased operations following accusations of transferring secret documents and spying for Israel.
The company was owned by Khamis Al Ajami, a retired squadron leader of the Royal Air Force of Oman. The recent decision by the Court of Appeal in Qatar brings some resolution to a case that has had diplomatic implications for both India and Qatar.
In conclusion, the Court of Appeal in Qatar has reduced the death sentence of eight Indian naval officials who were convicted of spying for Israel. The case has prompted diplomatic discussions between India and Qatar and has had implications for the individuals involved and their families. The detailed judgment regarding the reduction of the death sentence is awaited by Indian authorities, who are closely monitoring the situation in order to determine the next steps going forward.