India files appeal against death sentence awarded to eight citizens in Qatar

India on Thursday (Nov 9) said it has filed an appeal in Qatar over the death sentence awarded to eight Indians, who had been working at a company in Doha, in an alleged case of espionage.

On November 7, the Indian embassy in Doha secured additional consular access to the detainees, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a weekly press briefing.

"Qatar has a court of first instance that gave the judgment on eight Indian employees. The judgement is confidential and has only been shared with the legal team. They are now pursuing further legal steps, and an appeal has been filed. We will also remain engaged with the Qatari authorities on this matter," he said.

Eight Indians kept in confinement since August 2022

The Indian men were arrested by Qatari authorities in August 2022, and have been kept in detention without specifying the crimes committed by them. The Court of First Instance of Qatar passed the judgment against them. All of them worked forDahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services.

Those sentenced have been identified as Navtej Singh Gill, Birendra Kumar Verma, Saurabh Vasisht, Amit Nagpal, Purnendu Tiwari, Sugunakar Pakala, and Sanjeev Gupta. Their trial began on March 29 after bail pleas were rejected. Bagchi also said that the Indian authorities are in constant touch with the aggrieved families.

"We are in touch with the family... 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," he said.

Jaishankaer met aggrieved families

On October 30, Jaishankar met the families and said that he shares their pain and concern.

"Met this morning with the families of the 8 Indians detained in Qatar. Stressed that Government attaches the highest importance to the case. Fully share the concerns and pain of the families. Underlined that the Government will continue to make all efforts to secure their release. Will coordinate closely with the families in that regard," he said on X.

After the verdict was announced, India's foreign minister had expressed shocked and stressed that it would take up the issue with Qatari authorities.

"We are deeply shocked by the verdict of death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgement. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options," the ministry had said.