On the Qatar Death Row Issue – A quiet reprieve

Source: This post on the Qatar Death Row Issue has been created based on the article “A quiet reprieve” published in “The Hindu” on 30^th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

News: The article discusses the recent commuting of the capital punishment handed down in October to 8 former Indian naval personnel by Qatar. It also highlights the possible future course of action that the government can follow to ensure the best possible results for the naval personnel.

A detailed article on India-Qatar Relations can be read here.

Recently, the Qatari Court of Appeals reduced the capital punishment handed down in October to 8 former Indian naval personnel, commuting it to a jail term.

However, since the conviction was upheld, the government and the men’s families must now reassess their legal strategy and evidence of their innocence before filing a review petition with Qatar’s Court of Cassation.

Read more about this issue here.

What are the options if all avenues of judicial appeal are exhausted?

The government will have three options:

First, to press for a review of the conviction with Qatar’s ruling Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

Second, if that fails, the men could appeal for clemency and ask for a pardon, that Qatar’s rulers have given in the past.

Third, the men could serve out their terms in India (according to a 2015 bilateral Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons). However, this option would require them to accept the conviction.

What was the role played by diplomacy in getting the death sentence commuted?

1. India’s Prime Minister reached out publicly to the Qatari leadership when he met Qatar’s Emir on the sidelines of COP28 recently.
2. India chose not to react to the case with public rhetoric (such as negative media reporting against Qatar). This could have been counterproductive.
3. India also did not allow the case to be influenced by the growing tensions in the region due to the Gaza conflict.

What should be done?

1. Reviewing Intelligence Operations: If the case is in any way connected to India’s intelligence services, then an appropriate review should be undertaken (of operations that could risk Indian lives overseas).
2. Diplomatic and Political Efforts: The government must be seen to be pursuing diplomatic and political efforts at the highest level, to convey that the men are a priority for India.

Question for practice:

India’s diplomacy an important role in getting the death sentence of 8 Indian naval personnel commuted by Qatar. Explain. Also analyse the various options India can explore to secure the future release of its citizens.