A Qatar Court has reduced the death sentence given to eight ex-Indian Navy personnel in an alleged case of espionage. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that it has noted the verdict of the Court of Appeal in Qatar’s Dahra Global case. The MEA added that it is in close touch with the legal team and family members to decide on the next steps. The detailed judgement is awaited. India had expressed shock when these eight individuals were initially sentenced to death by the Court of First Instance in October. The Indians had been arrested in August last year after being charged with spying for Israel by Qatari authorities. The Indian Ambassador to Qatar and other officials were present in court during the hearing, along with the family members. New Delhi had been granted consular access to the eight Indians and had been working to secure their release. The Indian nationals had their first trial in late March, and the MEA said it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time.