Kerala nurse Nimisha's family relieved as execution postponed amid united efforts
The execution was originally scheduled for Wednesday
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Yemeni authorities have postponed the execution of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, bringing much relief to her family and others who now hope that the united efforts can avert her execution altogether.
The execution, originally scheduled for July 16, has been postponed, sources in New Delhi said on Tuesday. Priya, who hails from Kollengode in Kerala's Palakkad district, was found guilty of murdering a Yemeni citizen in July 2017.
The sources added that the government of India has made concerted efforts in recent days to seek more time for Priya's family to reach a "mutually agreeable" solution with the other party.
Despite the sensitivities involved, Indian officials have been in regular touch with the local jail authorities and the prosecutor's office, leading to securing the postponement, the sources said.
Nimisha Priya's husband expressed relief and satisfaction over the postponement of her execution and hoped that the united efforts will continue to avert her execution altogether.
Besides her family, the political and religious leadership of Kerala also expressed satisfaction over the development.
"The execution has been postponed. That is good news. We are happy and relieved. I am sure efforts will continue to avert her execution and bring her back safely," her husband, Tomy Thomas, said.
He thanked everyone who worked hard to support the cause.
Thomas said they have a daughter and has been kept away from these developments.
He said he received the message about the postponement of the execution from Priya's mother.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the postponement of the execution as both comforting and filled with hope. He said the decision has given Priya more time to seek relief from the death sentence.
Vijayan said development was made possible through the initiative and intervention of eminent Sunni Muslim scholar Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar.
"It is the result of tireless efforts by kind-hearted individuals who embody compassion and brotherhood," the Chief Minister said.
Congress MLA Chandy Oommen, who had approached several influential figures, including Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for intervention, said the latter made sincere efforts on humanitarian grounds.
Followers of influential Sunni Muslim scholar Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliyar said he continues to make sincere efforts to stop the execution.
Close confidante of Musliyar, Sayyid Ibrahimul Khaleelul Bukhari Thangal said that there are strong signs the execution may be averted.
Musliyar said he intervened in the matter as a human being. "Islam is a religion that gives utmost importance to humanity, and this is a fact understood and acknowledged by scholars in Yemen," he said.
Meanwhile, in a video message to news channels, Samuel Jerome Baskaran — a member of the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, who has been actively working for her release — expressed gratitude.
In 2020, a Yemeni court handed Priya the death sentence and the country's Supreme Judicial Council dismissed her appeal in November 2023. The 38-year-old nurse is presently lodged in a jail in Sana'a, the Yemeni capital city that is under the control of Iran-backed Houthis.
In Delhi, sources said the government of India has been rendering all possible assistance in the case since beginning.
Priya's mother Premakumari travelled to Yemen last year as part of efforts to secure her release.
The Indian side had even explored the option of securing Priya's release through "diyat" or paying "blood money". But that also ran into some problems, it is learnt.
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