India on Thursday, Nov 16, said the appeal process against the death sentence handed down to eight former Indian Navy personnel by a Qatari court is under process and it was hopeful of a positive outcome from it. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India is engaged with the Qatari authorities on the matter and that the government will continue to extend all legal and consular assistance to the Indian nationals.
“The case is currently in a legal process there. As we mentioned, an appeal has been filed in Qatar’s Court of Appeal. We are also engaged with the Qatari authorities on the matter and we will continue to extend all legal and consular assistance (to them),” Bagchi said.
“I would again urge everyone not to engage in speculation considering the sensitive nature of the case,” he said.
The judgement in the entire process has been made confidential by the Qatari side. “The appeal process is underway and we would hope for a positive outcome,” Bagchi said, replying to a question on the matter at his weekly media briefing.
He also described as “factually incorrect” some reports that suggested the appeal in the case has been adjudicated.