Qatar court drops death sentence for 8 Indians, New Delhi says

Shutterstock [For illustration]

A Qatar court has dropped the death sentence imposed on eight Indian former naval officers arrested there last year, India's foreign ministry said on Thursday.

The eight men, who were condemned to death in October, had been accused of spying for Israel, according to sources - though India and Qatar have not confirmed the charges.

India's foreign ministry did not say what new sentence or penalty the men would now face.

It "noted the verdict today of the Court of Appeal of Qatar" in which the sentences "have been reduced".

"We are in close touch with the legal team as well as the family members to decide on the next steps," and will "continue to take up the matter with the Qatari authorities," it added.

It declined to comment on the case further "due to the confidential and sensitive nature of proceedings".

India expressed shock when Qatar's Court of First Instance imposed the death penalty on the eight men who were working on a submarine project with a private company for the Qatari authorities.

More from International News

On Virgin Radio today

  • Non Stop Hits

    Midnight - 8:00am

    The UAE's #1 Hit Music Station with no interruptions

  • Adam Eddine

    8:00am - 11:00am

    Playing 10 hits in a row every hour, all weekend!

Trending on Virgin Radio

  • Pick the Hits

    We have money can't buy passes to premiere of Bad Boys: Ride Or Die and see Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in person at the event! Just Pick The Hits!

  • Bassem Youssef

    One of the most talked about comedians in the world takes over The Kris Fade Show. Watch the full interview here...

  • Ed Sheeran - UAE EXCLUSIVE

    Latest album, what happened with BTS, raising a baby girl, eye surgery, and more!

  • Untold Dubai

    It arrived: The UAE's First Mega Music Festival at Expo City Dubai!