The Court of Appeal of Qatar has reduced the sentence originally handed over to the 8 Indians convicted of spying in the Dahri Global case. This was informed by the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday, 28 December.

"We have noted the verdict today of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, in which the sentences have been reduced...The detailed judgement is awaited....Our Ambassador to Qatar and other officials were present in the Court of Appeal today, along with the family members. We have stood by them since the beginning of the matter and we will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also continue to take up the matter with the Qatari authorities." - Ministry of External Affairs

The Qatar government, had on 24 November, agreed to take a relook at the Death Sentence that was announced for the 8 Indians on 26 October this year. The 8 Indians, all employees of Dahra Global in Doha, were arrested in August 2022 on allegations of espionage. The MEA had expressed concern over the verdict and had assured that the government will explore all legal options. The detailed order, which will be kept confidential due to the sensitive context, is awaited, said the MEA. There was no mention of the extent to which the veterans’ sentences were reduced, but it is understood that they have been given varying prison terms.