Indian Navy Personnel Sentenced to Death in Qatar Raises Concerns in Lok Sabha

Indian Navy Personnel Sentenced to Death in Qatar Raises Concerns in Lok Sabha

VoM News Desk | December 5, 2023 | 11:01 AM IST | Politics | Follow on Google News

Indian Navy Personnel Sentenced to Death in Qatar Raises Concerns in Lok Sabha

Indian Navy Personnel Sentenced to Death in Qatar Raises Concerns in Lok Sabha

Congress MP Manish Tewari brought significant attention to the Lok Sabha by giving an Adjournment Motion Notice, demanding a discussion on the death penalty sentence imposed on eight former Indian Navy personnel in Qatar. Tewari highlighted that since August 2022, he has been raising this issue, yet the response from the Indian government has been lacking.

Details of the Case and Government Response

The eight naval officers, employed by Doha-based Dahra Global, were arrested in August 2022 on charges of alleged espionage. Their sentencing by a Qatari court on October 26, 2023, has been described by Tewari as a result of a “Kangaroo Trail” with “perfunctory hearings,” where they were allegedly tortured and coerced into self-incriminating confessions. Tewari criticized the central government for not strongly protesting the matter, including not summoning the Qatari Ambassador.

Confidentiality and Diplomatic Efforts

Despite the acceptance of their appeal by the Qatari court, crucial details such as the charges, court rationale, and the judgment copy remain undisclosed. The Ministry of External Affairs has called the ruling ‘deeply shocking’ and has been engaging through diplomatic channels with Qatar on this case. Consular access to the detainees was granted on November 7, but the judgment of the Qatar court remains confidential.

External Affairs Minister’s Involvement

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with the family members of the eight naval personnel, assuring full government support. India has been working to secure their release, with their first trial taking place in late March.

In a related development, Congress MP Manickam Tagore also submitted an Adjournment Motion Notice in the Lok Sabha to discuss the severe impact of heavy rainfall in Chennai due to Cyclone Michaung. The notice acknowledged the state government’s swift response in preventing loss of life and emphasized the need for discussing preparedness for natural disasters like Cyclone Michaung, particularly highlighting the closure of the airport due to waterlogging on the runway.

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