India condemns the death sentence of eight former Indian soldiers in Qatar

New Delhi, October 26 (EFE).- India on Thursday showed its rejection of the death sentence of eight of its nationals by a court in Qatar, all former members of the navy who worked for a Qatari company.

“We are deeply shocked by the death sentence and await the detailed verdict,” after a court in Qatar today convicted eight Indian employees of the Al Dahra company, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

The Asian country claimed to be exploring all legal options in a case whose details have not been disclosed to the public by the authorities of the Asian country.

“We have been following it closely, we will continue to extend all legal and consular assistance, and we will address the ruling with the Qatari authorities,” Foreign Affairs added.

The eight Indian nationals, all retired veterans of the Indian Navy and workers for a company that provided services to the Qatari navy, were detained in Doha last August by Qatari intelligence forces, according to the Indian Express newspaper.

The Indian newspaper Hindustan Times, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter, noted that the eight former members of the Indian armed forces were convicted of espionage. However, neither India nor Qatar have confirmed this.

“Due to the confidential nature of the process in this matter, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this time,” the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said. EFE

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