The Indian embassy in Qatar was granted consular access this week to the eight Indians who are facing the death penalty in a case that the Ministry of External Affairs has described as “sensitive”. The Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that India is considering “further legal steps” in the case.
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“On November 7, our Embassy received consular access to the detainees. We are in touch with the family members too, and the External Affairs Minister met them earlier this month in New Delhi,” Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday.
Mr. Bagchi assured “all legal and consular assistance” to the eight former officials of the Indian navy who were working for Al Dahra company of Qatar. The Court of First Instance in Qatar passed a judgement on October 26 sentencing them to death.
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India has tried to keep the proceedings out of the public eye. Mr. Bagchi has refused to divulge details of the judgement. “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.”
