Eight former Indian navy soldiers have been sentenced to a death penalty after being held since August 2022. The bail pleas made were repeatedly rejected by the authorities.

The Ministry of External Affairs, MEA said it is ‘shocked’ by the verdict given by the court of First Instance of Qatar.

The eight men worked for Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private company that supplied training and associated services to Qatar’s security services and military forces.

“We are deeply shocked by the verdict of 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. 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,” the statement by the MEA read.

“We will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also take up the verdict with Qatari authorities,” the ministry said.

The ministry refrained from giving further details owing to the confidentiality of the case.

According to reports, the officers are charged with espionage.