Yemeni authorities postponed the execution of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya on Tuesday amid hectic parlays for clemency. Indian authorities had told the Supreme Court earlier this week that “blood money” — essentially financial compensation for taking a life — was likely her only hope for avoiding the death sentence. The 37-year-old was initially set to be executed on July 16 after being convicted over the unintended killing of a Yemeni national who had been harassing her.
Advocacy groups and influential religious leaders have since stepped in to broker a solution — including a trust from Saudi Arabia that offered Rs 11 crore as recompense. Lawyers for Priya told Onmanorama on Tuesday that their immediate priority was to delay the execution. Advocate Subhash Chandran KR also confirmed that the group which had previously helped save Abdul Rahim in Saudi Arabia was offering the money to the family of the victim. Sharia law (as followed by Yemen) dictates that Priya cannot be executed if ‘blood money’ is offered and accepted.
“Discussions continued late into the night. But even if one member agrees to a pardon, all other close relatives must be on board for any agreement to take effect. If the family agrees to accept blood money, fundraising will not be a hurdle. There’s strong support from the diaspora and well-wishers,” the lawyer told Manorama online.