Nimisha Priya Execution Delayed
Following the suspension of the scheduled execution of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, the family of the Yemeni man she is accused of murdering in 2017 has finally spoken out. Abdelfattah Mahdi, brother of the late Talal Abdo Mahdi, made it clear that the family is not willing to forgive or resolve the case.
This refusal further complicates the already sensitive case, as a pardon from the victim’s family under Yemen’s Sharia law via the 'blood money' or Diyaat provision was seen as Nimisha’s best chance for survival.
Nimisha's hanging was to take place on July 16, but she got the surprise reprieve just a day prior, when the hanging was suspended. While no formal reason was cited, it is said that Grand Mufti of India Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar had a crucial role to play in initiating last-minute talks in Yemen.
In line with reports, the Sunni leader had consultation with a Sufi scholar who resides in Yemen. Delegates from the two scholars reportedly went to the victim's family hoping to convince them to suspend the execution.
"In Islam, instead of taking lives, there is also a practice of accepting Diya (recompense). I asked them to accept Diyaat as the party is willing here for it. There are discussions on whether my request needs to be accepted," the Grand Mufti said as quoted by ANI.
While this was happening, Indian officials were also reportedly quietly backing the initiative through private channels of communication with Yemeni sources to provide extra time for the family of the nurse to pursue a settlement.
In spite of the intervention and international outcry, Abdelfattah Mahdi reiterated the family's position regarding getting justice. A day after the hanging was delayed, he wrote on Facebook initially in Arabic but confirmed by Hindustan Times that the family is still determined on vengeance.
What is gained and heard today from mediation and peace efforts is nothing new or unexpected. Over our years, there have been clandestine endeavors and attempts at mediating. This is normal and expected. But pressure has not altered anything in us. Our call is retribution, nothing more," he declared in the post.
Nimisha Priya traveled to Yemen in 2014 on a work assignment and partnered with Talal Abdo Mahdi in establishing a clinic. She has reportedly been physically abused and threatened by Mahdi, according to reports. In a last-minute try at escaping the country and getting her passport back, she is said to have sedated him in order to flee but the dosage was lethal.
Following his death in 2017, Nimisha was convicted and sentenced to capital punishment. The death sentence was confirmed in 2023, with the execution originally set for July 16, 2024.
Although the stay on execution came as a significant relief to Nimisha’s supporters, her long-term fate remains uncertain. With Mahdi’s family rejecting reconciliation, there is no clarity on whether the possibility of Diyaat will be entertained.
For the time being, Nimisha's life has been temporarily saved, but one that would enable her to go back to India remains elusive.
