Krishna assures help to 17 UAE Indians on death row
By IANSWednesday, March 31, 2010
NEW DELHI - The government Wednesday assured support to the 17 Indians sentenced to death for killing a Pakistani national in the UAE, saying it will stand by them if they appeal in a higher court.
“We have assured them that the government of India will stand by them if they appeal in a higher court,” External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said here.
Krishna confirmed that Indian officials have been given consular access to the 17 and added that the consulate in Dubai has been in touch with them.
The sentenced Indians were in good health, officials in the Indian consulate said in Dubai after getting consular access. The government is now awaiting a detailed report from the consulate before exploring legal options.
The Indians, 16 of whom belong to Punjab, were accused of killing a Pakistani and injuring three Pakistanis following a row over illegal alcohol business.
