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India has expressed shock over a Qatari court handing the death penalty to eight Indian nationals, saying that it is exploring all legal options in the case.
“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,” MEA said in a statement.
The eight former Indian Navy personnel have been in jail since August last year. They are accused of espionage on behalf of Israel, with Qatari authorities reportedly having possession of electronic evidence to support these allegations.
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According to media reports, these individuals were part of a group of former Indian Navy members employed by Dahra Global Technologies. They were working on a project of great sensitivity, involving the construction of midget submarines with stealth capabilities based on Italian technology.
“We attach high importance to this case and have been following it closely. We will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also take up the verdict with Qatari authorities,” it said.
Due to the confidential nature of proceedings of this case, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this juncture,” says the Ministry of External Affairs.
Sources told the ANI that there is a possibility of the ex-Indian Navy officers being “framed” by Pakistani intelligence agencies.