Ministry of External Affairs: Execution of Indian citizen Nimisha Priya postponed
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday that the execution of Indian citizen Nimisha Priya in Yemen has been delayed and advised the public and media to avoid unconfirmed allegations and false information that are spreading about the case.
According to MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal, the government is doing all it can to help Priya and her family, working closely with friendly countries and local authorities to find a solution.
In response to ANI’s query at the weekly briefing, MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said, “This is a sensitive topic. The Indian government has been helping with the issue in any way it can. Our combined efforts have resulted in the sentence being delayed. We are still keeping a careful eye on the situation and providing all support we can.”
The Indian government’s diplomatic efforts and talks resulted in the postponement of the execution, which was originally planned for July 16.
Jaiswal explained that it is untrue to say that her death sentence has been totally reversed. “We are also discussing the matter with a few friendly governments… It is untrue to say that certain developments have occurred. Please wait for our next update. We urge all parties to avoid spreading false information,” he said.
In 2017, Nimisha Priya, a 37-year-old Keralan nurse, was found guilty of killing Talal Abdo Mahdi, her business partner. In 2020, she received a death sentence, which Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council affirmed in November 2023.
Jaiswal had also said on July 17 that the Indian government had hired a lawyer to help Priya’s family deal with the intricate legal system in Yemen, which is governed by Sharia law. In order to achieve a favorable solution, the administration has also scheduled frequent consular visits and is still in contact with local officials and other countries.
“The Government of India has been extending all possible legal and consular support, including trying to secure more time for the family to reach a mutually agreeable resolution with the other party,” he said.
After being found guilty of murder, Priya, a Keralan nurse, has been facing the death sentence in Yemen. Her family and other organizations have been pursuing clemency via the legal and diplomatic systems.