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'We've made efforts...': MEA says helping Nimisha Priya, in touch with ‘friendly governments
The Indian government on Tuesday said it is providing all necessary support to Nimisha Priya and her family after her planned execution in Yemen was postponed just a day before it was scheduled on July 16.
Describing the case as 'sensitive,' Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has extended legal aid, appointed a lawyer for the family, and ensured regular consular access. He added that the government remains in close touch with local Yemeni authorities and Priya's family to help resolve the matter.
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'We've made efforts to help the family reach a mutually acceptable solution with the victim's family,' Jaiswal said, adding that India has also reached out to friendly governments to seek further assistance.
The execution was deferred by Yemeni authorities following these efforts. The Ministry said it will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide all possible help.
Jaiswal's remarks came days after the Centre told the Supreme Court that only Nimisha Priya's family could take steps to seek a pardon from the victim's kin, and that external organisations may not be effective in the process.
Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Palakkad, Kerala, was sentenced to death in 2020 for the 2017 murder of a Yemeni national. Her appeal was rejected by Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023.
Her execution, originally set for July 16, was halted following the intervention of Grand Mufti of India, Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar, who reached out to religious leaders in Yemen urging them to consider mercy for the 38-year-old.
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