Death sentences to 8 Indians on reported espionage for 'Israel': Qatar
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A Qatari court has sentenced to death eight Indian employees of a Qatari corporation on allegations of espionage for "Israel".
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Qatari man looks at his phone near the Qatar corniche (AFP)
The Indian government announced Thursday that a Qatari court has sentenced eight Indians captured in the nation last year to death, adding that it was "deeply shocked" by the ruling.
In a statement, New Delhi stated that it places "high importance" on the matter and will "take up the verdict with Qatari authorities," as well as explore all legal options in response to the sentences.
Over 800,000 Indian citizens live and work in Qatar, and, according to Indian media reports, the men were detained last year on suspicion of espionage for "Israel" on Qatar's navy submarine development.
The allegations against the individuals, all of whom are former Indian Navy officers, have not been made public by either the Indian government or the Qatari authorities.
The former Indian navy officers were employed by the Qatari Al Dahra consulting company.
According to the company's site, Al Dahra is a Gulf-based firm that provides "complete support solutions" to the aerospace, security, and defense industries.
A statement by India’s External Affairs Ministry explained that the Ministry was following the case "closely", adding that it is extending its consular and legal help to those sentenced.
