Qatar Court Commutes Ex-Navy Men’s Death Sentence: Families Express Relief and Cautious Optimism as Case Heads to Top Court
Qatar Court Reduces Death Sentence for Former Navy Men
Family Expresses Relief and Caution: Considering Appeal to Higher Court, Hesitant to Label It a Success Yet.Following the commutation of the death penalty for eight former Indian Navy personnel by a Qatar court of appeal, their families and colleagues are proceeding cautiously, emphasizing that the verdict is not yet a complete vindication or success.
Despite the reduction in sentences, the families are moving to the Court of Cassation, the highest court of appeal in Qatar, while awaiting a detailed judgment. The legal process, including a potential plea for pardon, is expected to take around three months. The Indian government and the embassy in Qatar have been actively involved in supporting the appeal process. The families remain hopeful but acknowledge a long legal battle ahead.
The families of the eight former Indian Navy personnel are navigating the legal landscape with caution following the commutation of their death sentences by a Qatar court of appeal. As they await a detailed judgment and explore the possibility of prisoner repatriation to India, they are moving to the Court of Cassation, Qatar’s highest court of appeal.
The families express relief while understanding that the process is ongoing, emphasizing the need for a plea for pardon, which could take an additional three months. The Indian government, along with the embassy in Qatar, is actively supporting the appeal process, providing hope amid the complex legal journey. The eight individuals were present during the court proceedings and await further information in the coming weeks.
Friends and family members acknowledge the Indian Navy and the Ministry of External Affairs for their crucial support in this sensitive matter. While a lengthy legal battle lies ahead, the families remain optimistic about the eventual return of the officers to India.
Two months after initially sentencing eight Indian Navy veterans to death, the Court of Appeal in Qatar announced on Thursday (December 28) a reduction of their capital punishment to imprisonment with varying terms. In response to the verdict, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement acknowledging the Court of Appeal’s decision in the Dahra Global case, emphasizing the reduction in sentences.
The MEA revealed that Vipul, the Indian ambassador to Qatar, and family members of the veterans were present during the Court of Appeal proceedings when the verdict was delivered. While awaiting a detailed judgment, the MEA stated its close coordination with the legal team and family members to determine the next course of action.
In adherence to the confidential and sensitive nature of the case, the ministry refrained from making further comments at this point. It reiterated its steadfast support since the inception of the matter, committing to provide consular and legal assistance. Additionally, the MEA expressed its intention to continue addressing the matter with Qatari authorities.
Six appeal hearings have taken place thus far—three in the court of appeal and three in the lower court. The families are anticipating information about the possibility of repatriating the eight men to India.
A relative of one of the eight men informed The Indian Express, “The Emir’s pardon can only be applied after the highest court rules on the judgement. This will likely take another three months before a (plea for) pardon can be filed.” According to family members, the eight men were present in court on Thursday but were not present when the judgement was announced.
“They will likely hear from families in their weekly calls or in a meeting with the lawyer and embassy officials in the coming week. They get to make three calls a week,” the relative stated. Although it typically takes 60 days to file an appeal, family members noted that the legal team is promptly filing the appeal.
Friends of the former Navy personnel stated that developments in the past 40 days, starting with three appeals in the court of appeal, contributed to commuting the death sentence. The attorney representing the men is filing an appeal in the Court of Cassation.
Commander Rajiv Sardana (Retd), a family friend of Captain Navtej Singh, mentioned, “The Indian government has been extremely supportive, and the embassy in Qatar has played a vital role in the appeal process. While each of the naval officers received varied sentences, the appeal process will be filed jointly, just as before.”
He highlighted that the charges remain confidential due to the sensitivity of the matter between the two countries. All family members of the eight veterans were present in Doha for the hearing and heard the judgement from the lawyer in the presence of the Indian ambassador.
“There is a long legal battle ahead. But with the support of the Indian Navy and the MEA, the families are hopeful that the officers will be back in India soon,” he expressed optimism.
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