What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
These eight Indian naval veterans had been in detention since August 30, last year and were working for Dahra Consultancies. The abrupt detention took place in the dead of night on that fateful day, orchestrated by officials from Qatar’s interior ministry. However, the specific charges against them have not been officially disclosed by either New Delhi or Doha.
NEW DELHI: Families of eight former naval officers have come forward with heart-wrenching pleas for justice following a shocking court verdict in Doha, Qatar, sentencing their loved ones to death. The verdict was delivered on October 26, 2022, by a court in Doha, and it has left the families in a state of anguish and despair.
These eight Indian naval veterans had been in detention since August 30, last year and were working for Dahra Consultancies. The abrupt detention took place in the dead of night on that fateful day, orchestrated by officials from Qatar’s interior ministry. However, the specific charges against them have not been officially disclosed by either New Delhi or Doha.
In a significant development, India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, met with the families on Monday to discuss the grave situation. He shared details of the meeting via a post on social media, expressing the Indian government’s deep concern and commitment to securing the release of the detained individuals.
He stated, “Met this morning with the families of the 8 Indians detained in Qatar. Stressed that the 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.”
In response to the distressing situation, families have launched petitions on Change.org, an online platform, pleading with the Indian government to intervene and secure the release and repatriation of their loved ones to India.
Rahul Bhan, a family member of one of the sailors, initiated one such petition, expressing shock at the verdict and urging the government to take swift action. Bhan stated, “We urge the Government of India to intervene at the highest level and secure their release and repatriation to India. This petition aims to bring attention to this grave issue and seeks justice for these individuals who have served their country honourably. Please sign this petition and support our cause for justice, fairness, and respect for human rights.”
Another person, Vikas Nagpal, who is connected to the family of another naval officer among the eight, also launched a petition seeking justice and expressing deep concern about the case. He remarked, “Eight former Indian Naval Officers have been sentenced to death by a court in Qatar without any public disclosure of the allegations against them or sharing of proof. They were held in solitary confinement for nearly a year without filing of charges, an act that is not only unjust but also violates basic human rights.
“The lack of transparency and due process in this case is deeply concerning, as it undermines faith in legal systems globally. This petition aims to bring attention to this grave issue and seeks justice for these individuals who have served their country honourably. Please sign this petition and support our cause for justice, fairness, and respect for human rights.”
In addition to appealing to the Indian government, the families are also calling upon International Human Rights organisations, the UN, and concerned citizens worldwide to raise their voices against this injustice and appeal to Qatar for the immediate release of the detained naval officers.
The Ministry of External Affairs responded to the verdict, stating, “We have initial information that the Court of First Instance of Qatar has today passed a judgement in the case involving 8 Indian employees of Al Dahra company. We are deeply shocked by the verdict of the 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 families have eagerly awaited this crucial meeting with the External Affairs Minister, and many have raised questions about the handling of such cases involving Indian citizens abroad, which often leaves families in anguish and uncertainty.
