Qatar Court Accepts India's Appeal In Sailors' Death Penalty Case; Verdict Awaited For The Eight Indians

In a crucial turn of events, a Qatari court has officially accepted India's appeal against the death penalty handed down to eight Indian sailors employed by Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services.

The sailors, who were sentenced on 26 October, 2022, have been at the centre of diplomatic efforts by India to secure their release.

The Ministry of External Affairs had expressed shock at the initial verdict and vowed to explore all legal options to bring its citizens back home.

The court's decision to accept the appeal document is seen as a significant development, providing a ray of hope for the sailors and their families.

While the court reviews the appeal, the Indian government remains in close contact with the families and legal representatives of the sailors.

The sailors, identified as Navtej Singh Gill, Birendra Kumar Verma, Saurabh Vasisht, Amit Nagpal, Purnendu Tiwari, Sugunakar Pakala, and Sanjeev Gupta, were arrested in August 2022, and their trial commenced on 29 March.

Despite the rejection of bail pleas, the families submitted a formal appeal on 16 November, seeking justice and the release of their loved ones.