Yemeni National Opposes Pardon for Kerala Nurse
The brother of the Yemeni national, Abdelfattah Mahdi, has opposed any reconciliation or pardon for the Kerala nurse involved in a significant case in Yemen.
Doubts Surrounding the Case
This opposition has raised doubts about the future of the case, as the possibility of saving Nimisha Priya through a pardon from Mahdi’s family, under Yemen’s Sharia law provision of ‘blood money’, diminishes.
Key Developments
Recently, Nimisha Priya’s execution was postponed just a day before the scheduled date, providing a glimmer of hope for her and her family.
The move was attributed to the efforts of a respected Muslim scholar, known as the ‘Grand Mufti of India’, who led negotiations in favor of Nimisha Priya.
Negotiations and Interventions
Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar, a prominent Sunni leader in India, along with a Sufi scholar, mediated discussions in Yemen with Mahdi’s family representatives to prevent Nimisha’s execution by offering ‘Diyaat’, a form of compensation, as an alternative.
Government Involvement
The Indian government, through private channels, engaged with authorities in Yemen to secure more time for negotiations between Priya’s family and the opposing party.
Stand Against Pardon
Despite efforts for reconciliation, Abdelfattah Mahdi reiterated the family’s stance against pardon in a Facebook post, emphasizing the demand for retribution.
Background of the Case
Nimisha Priya’s journey to Yemen for professional reasons led to a partnership with Talal Abdo Mahdi in running a clinic. However, conflicts arose, culminating in an incident where Nimisha sedated Mahdi to retrieve her passport, unintentionally causing his death.
Current Status
Nimisha Priya was sentenced to death three years later, with the execution date set for 2023. Despite a temporary reprieve, the uncertainty looms over her fate due to the adamant stance of Mahdi’s family.
Remaining Challenges
While the postponed execution is a temporary relief, the ultimate goal of securing Nimisha’s safety and return to India remains a challenge, especially with firm opposition from Mahdi’s family.
