Jailed in Qatar Indian Navy 8 former officers file mercy petition seeking pardon

Doha: For the last 10 months, eight retired officers of the Indian Navy are lodged in a jail in Qatar. No one knows when the case that has been registered against all these marines will end. These former marines were detained by the Ministry of Home Affairs of the country. With their future in grave jeopardy, these jailed former marines have filed a mercy petition with the Emir of Qatar to grant them pardon. The families of the ex-servicemen say they have found the Emir of Qatar to be very kind and hope their plea will be considered.

impact on health
It has been told from the sources that most of the former officers are those whose age is more than 60 years. That’s why his health has been adversely affected due to the case. There is also no clarity on the charges leveled against him. The charges are based on sections under Qatari law. So there is little information as to how long the case will last. The last hearing of the matter was held on 21 June. Now the next hearing is on July 19. Family members say there is a lot of uncertainty over how long this case will go on. For the same reason the family members have filed a mercy petition and appealed to the Emir to pardon them.

You get pardon twice a year
The Emir of Qatar usually grants pardons only on the occasion of Ramadan and National Day of the year. Now on these two occasions the family is hopeful that he will take a positive decision. No official information regarding those released is usually released unless the amnesty involves ex-countrymen. In such a situation their consulates sometimes share information about the release. Meanwhile, the families of the marines are being allowed to meet them once a week. Phone call facility is also being provided for those who have family members at home and are not able to travel to Doha.

Talking to family on the phone
A family member of a Marine said that whenever they spoke to him on the phone in Doha, he always said that nothing illegal had happened. It has been said by the Ministry of External Affairs of India that the Indian Embassy in Qatar is closely monitoring this. The full nature of the allegations is not entirely clear. In such a situation, it is being ensured that the citizens get the necessary legal aid. It has been told by the Ministry of External Affairs that the family members are being regularly informed about the proceedings of the case.