“Indian Navy Veterans Facing Death Sentence in Qatar: A Call for Urgent Action”

In a significant development, eight former Indian Navy personnel are facing death sentence in Qatar. The situation has raised concerns and calls for swift government action.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has urged Prime Minister Modi to bring these Navy veterans back to India. He points to the Prime Minister’s claim to be liked by Islamic countries, highlighting the need for diplomatic intervention.

Opposition parties have criticized the government for not taking the matter seriously. They emphasize that the lives of these Marines are in danger, and insist that this is not the time for political debate.

The naval personnel, working for a private firm in Qatar, were arrested in August 2022, and the espionage-related charges against them have not been disclosed due to confidentiality.

Their bail pleas were repeatedly rejected, and they were refused contact with their families until India intervened to ensure consular access. New Delhi has expressed shock at the death sentence and is exploring all legal options.

This situation calls for immediate diplomatic and political action. Expressing its anguish, the Indian National Congress has urged the Government of India to leverage its influence with Qatar to ensure a fair appeal process and his early release.

Additionally, the incident is reminiscent of a previous diplomatic issue with Qatar, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong international relations.