Veterans who endured 17 months in captivity in Qatar are advocating for their colleague’s release as the Amir of Qatar visits India. The appeal highlights the reduced sentences for eight veterans, with Commander Purnendu Tiwari still under a travel ban. They are seeking assistance from high-level leaders to resolve the captivity situation and facilitate Tiwari’s return to his family.
In December 2023, the Court of Appeal in Qatar reduced the death sentences for eight Indian naval veterans, replacing them with prison terms ranging from three to 25 years. These veterans were initially sentenced on unspecified charges and had been imprisoned since August 2022. On February 11, 2024, two among them returned to India after extensive negotiations, while Commander Purnendu Tiwari remains in Qatar under a travel ban.
The veterans, now urging for Tiwari’s release, have reached out to both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. This appeal coincides with the Amir’s state visit to India, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic relations to expedite Tiwari’s return, allowing him to reunite with his family after a prolonged separation.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
