By Vineet Dikshit

NewsGate Press Network

It was officially stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) that efforts are underway to extend all legal help to eight ex-navy men currently lodged in Qatar jail after death sentence.

During his weekly presser MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that since the judgement pronouncing death sentence to eight Indian ex-naval officers was “confidential”, a formal appeal against the order has been filed in Qatar.

Also it was stated that consular access to the eight Indians was again given on Tuesday.

Bagchi also cautioned against any “speculation” in the media about the case.

“As we have informed earlier, the Court of First Instance of Qatar passed a judgement on October 26 in the case involving 8 Indian employees of Al Dahra company.

The judgement is confidential and has only been shared with the legal team. They are now pursuing further legal steps, and an appeal has been filed. We will also remain engaged with the Qatari authorities on this matter.

On November 7, our Embassy received another consular access to the detainees. We are in touch with the family members too, and EAM met them earlier this month in New Delhi.

We will continue to extend all legal and consular assistance. I would urge everyone not to engage in speculation considering the sensitive nature of the case”, MEA spokesperson added.