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News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
'No Pardon, It's A Crime': Brother Of Yemeni Man Killed By Kerala Nurse Rejects Clemency
The next phase of negotiations will revolve around finalising the blood money, with Kerala billionaire MA Yusuf Ali stepping forward to offer financial assistance if needed. Abdelfattah Mehdi, brother of Talal Abdo Mehdi, who was allegedly murdered by Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya in 2017, has firmly rejected the possibility of a pardon for his brother's killer. Speaking to IANS, Abdelfattah stated that 'there can be no pardon" for the crime, and that Priya must face execution as ruled by the Yemeni courts. He also criticised sections of the Indian media, accusing them of 'distorting things to portray the convicted as a victim." Nimisha Priya was scheduled to be executed on Wednesday, but a prolonged phase of multipronged negotiations has led to a temporary suspension of the execution. According to IANS, efforts to defer the sentence have seen wide-ranging interventions from the Indian government, support from agencies based in Saudi Arabia, and religious diplomacy, including outreach by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, the Grand Mufti of Kerala. Musliyar reportedly contacted a personal friend within Yemen's Shoora Council to mediate in the matter. Confirming the development, CPI(M) Kerala state secretary M.V. Govindan, who met Musliyar on Wednesday morning, told reporters, 'Musliyar has told me that the execution has been kept in abeyance, and there are more aspects which are being discussed. He said people are engaged in talks with authorities in Yemen and also the family who has to give the pardon." Under Sharia law, the family of the deceased holds the right to grant clemency in exchange for 'blood money', a legally recognised form of compensation. However, negotiations have become complicated due to reported differences of opinion within the victim's family. Religious leaders and government officials are now focused on resolving these internal divisions to pave the way for a settlement. According to IANS, the next phase of negotiations will revolve around finalising the blood money, with Kerala billionaire MA Yusuf Ali stepping forward to offer financial assistance if needed. Priya, currently lodged in a Yemeni prison, was convicted of murdering her former business partner Talal Mehdi, allegedly by administering sedatives to him in a bid to retrieve her passport. The sedatives proved fatal, and she was arrested while trying to flee the country. Nimisha Priya had moved to Yemen in 2008, initially working as a nurse before opening her own medical clinic. A dispute with Mehdi in 2017 led to the fatal incident. She was convicted of murder in 2018, sentenced to death in 2020, and the verdict was upheld by Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023. However, the court allowed the possibility of clemency through a blood money arrangement, which is now the focal point of ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
CPI(M) state secretary Govindan flays ‘hasty arrest' of rapper Vedan
The case against Indian rapper Hirandas Murali, aka Vedan, has become a point of contention within the ruling Left Front, with CPI(M) Kerala secretary M.V. Govindan throwing his weight behind the rapper. Vedan is a sensation among the youth for the subaltern themes in his songs. Mr. Govindan demanded an inquiry into the 'hasty arrest' for possessing what was believed to be a leopard tooth, a wildlife trophy, worn as part of a necklace. He praised Vedan's songs and said the haste shown to book him in the case was unwarranted. 'The party has no doubt that there was undue haste in registering a case against Vedan. He's a singer who has deeply influenced the State's youth. His talent should be encouraged,' Mr. Govindan said. Regarding the police case against Vedan for alleged possession of ganja, Mr. Govindan said the singer had spoken out against the use of intoxicants. Although a small amount was seized and there were others with him, Vedan had admitted his guilt, acknowledging it was wrong. 'It's a good thing he admitted it,' Mr. Govindan said, endorsing the government action in this regard. Mr. Govindan praised Vedan's unique style of writing, music, and singing, suggesting he should be allowed to correct his mistakes and be recognised as a talented singer. Regarding the wildlife trophy case, Mr. Govindan noted Vedan's claim that it was a gift, and he hadn't known it was illegal to possess. 'The serious case against him seems like disproportionate action. Let the court decide,' Mr. Govindan said. Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran also sought to downplay the case, saying a scientific examination is needed to confirm if the seized item was indeed a leopard tooth. 'The society expects maturity in handling such cases,' Mr. Saseendran, who had earlier defended the arrest, said. Mr. Saseendran said the officials of the Forest department are duty-bound to respect the public sentiment in such cases. He added that there would be a departmental inquiry into the whole episode.
