After Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya's death penalty was postponed by the Yemeni goverment, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the development, saying it was achieved after "concerted efforts" by the Centre.
Calling it a sensitive issue, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Centre is providing all possible help in the case. “We have provided legal assistance and appointed a lawyer to assist the family," said the ministry, adding that it has arranged regular consular visits. It is also regularly in contact with the Yemeni authorities and the family members to resolve the issue.
The MEA said it has taken measures recently to delay the execution. "This included concerted efforts in recent days to seek more time for the family of Nimisha Priya to reach a mutually agreeable solution with the other party," stated the ministry, pointing out that the local authorities have postponed her July 16 sentence.
The foreign ministry said it is in touch with friendly governments to provide all possible assistance.
When asked about the role of Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, Jaiswal said, "As far as the role of entity you mentioned is concerned, I have no information to share."
Nimisha Priya, from Kerala's Palakkad, was found guilty of murdering a Yemeni citizen in 2017, following which she was sentenced to death.
