Big News: Yemen Authorities Postpone Execution of Kerala Nurse Nimisha Priya

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a significant development, local authorities in Yemen have postponed the execution of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, who was set to be executed on July 16. The postponement comes after the Indian government intensified its efforts to secure more time for Nimisha's family to pursue a mutually acceptable resolution with the victim's family.

Nimisha Priya, a 38-year-old nurse from Palakkad district in Kerala, was convicted in 2020 for murdering her former business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi and dismembering his body. Her final appeal was rejected in 2023, and she has been lodged in a prison in Sana'a since then.

Diplomatic Efforts Pay Off

The Indian government had been working tirelessly to prevent Nimisha's execution, with Attorney General R Venkataramani informing the Supreme Court that the government had reached out to an influential sheikh in Yemen to persuade the authorities to put the execution on hold. These efforts seem to have paid off, with the postponement of the execution providing a glimmer of hope for Nimisha's family.

Blood Money Settlement

Under Sharia law, Nimisha's death sentence can be waived if the victim's family agrees to accept "blood money" or diyah. Nimisha's family and supporters have been trying to negotiate a settlement with the victim's family, with some reports suggesting that a sizeable amount has already been offered. However, the victim's family had previously refused to engage in discussions, citing issues of honor.

Next Steps

With the execution postponed, Nimisha's family and supporters are hopeful that a resolution can be reached through diplomatic channels. The Indian government will continue to work towards finding a solution, with the Supreme Court scheduled to hear the case again on July 18.