The execution of Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala sentenced to death in Yemen, has been temporarily postponed. She was scheduled to be executed on July 16. According to sources cited by news agency ANI on Tuesday, the execution has been deferred following intervention by influential religious figures and activist groups.
Media reports suggest that the postponement came after sustained efforts by human rights activists and respected religious leaders from both India and Yemen. Prior diplomatic efforts had also been made to save Nimisha from the death penalty.
However, the family of the victim has reportedly not yet agreed to grant pardon or accept blood money (financial compensation permissible under Sharia law). Discussions are ongoing between Grand Mufti of Kanthapuram, A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, and renowned Yemeni Sufi scholar Sheikh Habib Umar bin Hafiz. A judge from Yemen’s Supreme Court and the victim’s brother are also involved in the dialogue.
Sheikh Habib agreed to participate in the talks after being persuaded by Mufti Musliyar. Notably, this marks the first time that a close relative of the victim has agreed to engage in the negotiation process.
The discussions are taking place under the framework of Sharia law, which grants the victim’s family the legal right to pardon the accused either unconditionally or in exchange for blood money.
