28 October 2023 :

Qatar sentenced eight Indian former naval officers to death on October 26, 2023 after finding them guilty of spying for Israel on the Gulf state’s submarine programme. The Indian government “expressed deep shock” at the verdict, adding that “all legal options are being explored”. Qatar has made no public statements about the convictions, which come as its government plays a crucial role in brokering negotiations between Israel and Hamas to secure the release of civilian hostages captured by the Palestinian militant group during its October 7 assault on the Jewish state. A person briefed on the case confirmed to the Financial Times that the eight Indians had been charged with spying for Israel. They will be able to appeal against their sentences. Qatar rarely carries out the death penalty. The last execution in the Gulf state was in 2020 and before that in 2003, said the person briefed on the case. The Indian government statement said the Indians had been detained in Qatar in August last year. Israel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.