Pinoy sentenced to death in Qatar for alleged espionage

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MANILA — Accused of committing espionage and economic sabotage, a Filipino has been sentenced to death while two others were sentenced life imprisonment in Qatar, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday.

A Doha News report said that the Filipinos were accused of supplying information to intelligence officials in the Philippines about the aircraft, weaponry, maintenance and servicing records of Qatar and specific information about its staff members.

Qatari company’s investment projects and details of upcoming contracts were also allegedly leaked.

In a report by the Philippine Star, DFA spokesman Charles Jose said that the accused, which was not named is an employee of a state-owned company.

Jose assured the public that those convicted were assisted by lawyers during the lower court proceedings and the sentencing which was made last April.

“Our embassy will continue to extend assistance to them as long as necessary,” Jose said.

He also added that the court verdict was already appealed before Qatar’s court earlier this month.

With reports from Helen Flores, Philippine Star