In a last-minute relief, the execution of Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the alleged murder of Talal Abdo Mahdi, a Yemeni national she partnered with to open a clinic, was halted. The 37-year-old was initially set to be executed on July 16. It was postponed due to the intervention of a Kerala Mufti, Kanthapuram AP. Kanthapuram held negotiation talks today with Yemen’s religious authorities with support from a Yemeni Sufi scholar. Meanwhile, advocacy groups and religious leaders have stepped in to offer Rs 11 crore as blood money.

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Who is Kanthapuram AP?

The 94-year-old Musliyar, officially known as Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad is also recognised as the Grand Mufti of India. While talking about the execution, Kanthapuram said, “Islam has another law. If the murderer is sentenced to death, the family of the victim has the right to pardon. I don’t know who this family is, but from a long distance, I contacted the responsible scholars in Yemen. I made them understand the issues. Islam is a religion that places a lot of importance on humanity.”

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Kanthapuram as quoted by ANI, “After I requested that they intervene and take action, the scholars met, discussed, and stated that they would do what they could. They have officially informed us and sent a document stating that the date of execution has been postponed, which will help facilitate the ongoing discussions,” he said.

“I have also informed the Central government about the discussions and the process. I have also sent a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office,” he added. “We never discriminate based on religion or faith in matters affecting the people in general. There is no consideration of Hindu, Muslim or Christian. We stand for humanity,” Kanthapuram said.