Qatar grants former Indian Navy personnel 60 days to appeal prison sentences

In a significant development, a Qatari court has extended a 60-day window for eight former Indian Navy personnel to appeal against their prison sentences. The decision comes in the aftermath of the commutation of their death sentences, with the men having been detained in August 2022 under undisclosed charges.

On December 28, the Court of Appeal in Qatar made a crucial decision, commuting the death sentences initially awarded in October. The eight Indian Navy personnel, identified as Captains Navtej Gill and Saurabh Vasisht, Commanders Purnendu Tiwari, Amit Nagpal, SK Gupta, BK Verma, Sugunakar Pakala, and sailor Ragesh, now face varying prison terms ranging from three to 25 years.

Legal Proceedings Unveiled

Initially, the court delivered the verdict orally, and the external affairs ministry has since disclosed that the legal team supporting the individuals has obtained a copy of the judgment. While the document is deemed confidential, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the court has allotted 60 days for the appeal process before the Court of Cassation, Qatar's highest court.

“The court has given 60 days for the appeal to be made before the Court of Cassation, which is the highest court in Qatar. And it is for the legal team now to decide the next course of action. So, that’s where we are,” Jaiswal stated during a regular media briefing.

Next Steps and Family Consultations

The legal team, now in possession of the court's order, is tasked with determining the subsequent course of action. The external affairs ministry is actively communicating with the families of the eight individuals, navigating the delicate situation.

Jaiswal emphasized, “The Indian side is in touch with the families of the eight men and the legal team to decide the next steps.”

Charges and Sentences

While the specific charges remain undisclosed, anonymous sources have hinted at accusations of espionage. Reports suggest that Purnendu Tiwari received a 25-year prison term, while Ragesh was sentenced to three years. Four of the former navy officers were reportedly given 15-year sentences, with two others receiving 10-year terms.

Given the commutation of the death sentences, India is now exploring the possibility of invoking a 2015 agreement with Qatar on the transfer of sentenced persons. However, there is uncertainty regarding whether Qatar has ratified the agreement. Additionally, the Indian side is contemplating the potential for the prisoners to be pardoned by the emir of Qatar, often observed during the Eid festivals.

The matter has garnered international attention, with India expressing deep concern over the initial death sentences and pledging to explore all legal avenues to assist the individuals, including decorated officers who once commanded frontline warships in the Indian Navy. The case has now moved to Qatar’s Court of Appeal, and further appeals can be lodged in the Court of Cassation, which oversees challenges to judgments made by the Court of Appeal.

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