Kanthapuram: Yemen Execution Stay Secured Through Interventions

Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, a veteran Islamic scholar and general secretary of All India Jamiyyathul Ulama, credits his interventions through Yemeni scholars for securing a stay on Malayali nurse Nimisha Priya's execution in Yemen. He appeals to Yemeni scholars to intervene in Nimisha Priya's case considering the importance of saving a human life. The Yemeni authorities have confirmed that Nimisha Priya's execution has been stayed based on their request.

In a significant development, the execution of Malayali nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen has been stayed following interventions by Yemeni scholars, facilitated by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, a veteran Islamic scholar and general secretary of All India Jamiyyathul Ulama [1]. The Yemeni authorities have confirmed that the execution has been stayed based on the request made by the scholars.

Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliar, addressing the media at Karanthur, near Kozhikode, stated that he successfully appealed to Yemeni scholars to intervene in Nimisha Priya’s case, emphasizing the importance of saving a human life. He credited his humanitarian efforts for the stay on her execution [1].

The case involves Nimisha Priya, a 38-year-old nurse from Palakkad district of Kerala, who was convicted for murdering her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2017. She was sentenced to death by a Yemeni court in 2020, with the execution initially scheduled for July 16, 2025 [2].

The postponement of the execution comes after extensive discussions involving community leaders, Yemeni citizens associated with the Indian mission, and a negotiator, Samuel Jerome Bhaskaran, who has been leading the negotiations with the Yemeni authorities [2]. The Indian government has been actively involved in the matter, seeking more time for the family to reach a mutually agreeable solution [2].

The Kerala government has also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the case, highlighting the need for necessary intervention before the scheduled execution date [2]. Prominent Muslim leader Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliar has also made interventions to secure Nimisha Priya’s release, urging a Sufi scholar in Yemen to hold discussions with Talal’s family and local leadership [2].

The only path left for Nimisha Priya to avoid execution is securing a pardon from the victim’s family in exchange for diyya, or blood money. Her family and supporters have offered $1 million to Mahdi’s relatives [2]. The Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, formed in 2020, has been spearheading efforts to save her life, raising funds and negotiating with the victim’s family [2].

The stay on Nimisha Priya’s execution is a testament to the power of humanitarian efforts and diplomatic interventions. The case underscores the complexities of international legal proceedings and the importance of diplomatic efforts in securing justice and mercy.

References:
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/nimisha-priya-execution-stay-indias-grand-mufti-kanthapurams-intervention-pays-off/article69814372.ece
[2] https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nimisha-priya-execution-july-16-all-you-need-to-know-10-points-10127219/