‘I am sure efforts will continue to avert her execution and bring her back’: Nimisha Priya’s husband

Thiruvananthapuram: In a major relief for Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, Yemeni authorities on Tuesday announced that they had postponed her execution. 

The announcement brought relief to her family, with her husband expressing satisfaction over the collective effort made by the government and other organisations.

Speaking to PTI, Nimisha’s husband, Tomy Thomas, said, “The execution has been postponed. That is good news. We are happy and relieved. I am sure efforts will continue to avert her execution and bring her back safely.” He also thanked everyone who worked hard to support the cause.

Thomas said they have a daughter studying in class XIII, and that the child has been kept away from these developments.

The execution was originally scheduled for Wednesday.

Priya, who hails from Kollengode in Kerala's Palakkad district, was found guilty of murdering a Yemeni citizen in July 2017.

In 2020, a Yemeni court handed her the death sentence, and the country's Supreme Judicial Council dismissed her appeal in November 2023.

The 38-year-old nurse is presently lodged in a jail in Sana'a, the Yemeni capital city that is under the control of Iran-backed Houthis.

The government of India has made concerted efforts in recent days to seek more time for Priya's family to reach a "mutually agreeable" solution with the other party, they said.

She is presently lodged in a jail in Sana'a, the Yemeni capital city that is under the control of Iran-backed Houthis.

The sources said the government of India has been rendering all possible assistance in the case since the beginning.

Despite the sensitivities involved, Indian officials have been in regular touch with the local jail authorities and the prosecutor's office, leading to securing the postponement, the sources said.

Priya's mother, Premakumari, travelled to Yemen last year as part of efforts to secure her release. PTI