Sharjah: A lawyer, appointed by the Indian government, is expected to file an appeal on behalf of the the 17 Indians on death row in Sharjah on Wednesday.
Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur had earlier met their families in Patiala, assuring them of all possible support. The convicts are being counselled as well. They were given the death sentence for killing a Pakistani in January 2009, over an illegal alcohol business.
Preneet: "Well as of today the first thing we can do is to file an appeal. That is going to be filed tomorrow. We have got a very good lawyer, one of the best. This is a joint effort between Minister of Overseas Affairs, Mr Vyalar Ravi and our ministry, Mr SM Krishna. And, we are filing it tomorrow. Our consulate also had direct access to the 17 accused. They met them twice, they met them day before yesterday for a second time and all the prisoners seem to be in fairly good shape. And, I think now there is hope among them that the government is helping them."
CNN-IBN: We've spoken to their families, to other labourers there. These men have been convicted for the killing of a Pakistani national. They say the police is targetting them because they are Indians. That it's even communal, do you think they are targetted?
Preneet: "I don't want to comment on innocence or anything. They are our citizens, we are going to do everything to bring the truth out. But I do want to say that I do not think they are being targeted because they are Indians. We have very good bilateral relations with the UAE. I think this is really not a case of Indians being targeted."
CNN-IBN: "We heard from the Government calling the sentencing unfortunate. UAE officials say it's about doubting their judicial system, interfering in UAE's internal affairs. How do you respond?"
Preneet: "No, not at all. I think if we get consular access and we give legal assistance to our people, it is not tantamount to interfering with their legal system. They are a sovereign country. We respect their legal system and considering the good ties we have with them, I am sure our assistance will not be taken in that manner."
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