Latest news with #Musliyar
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Indian Nurse Nimisha Priya's Death Sentence Overturned, Says Grand Mufti Of India Musliyar's Office
Indian Nurse Nimisha Priya's Death Sentence Overturned, Says Grand Mufti Of India Musliyar's Office Last Updated: Breaking News India In a major development in the Nimisha Priya case, her death sentence has now been completely overturned, according to a statement from the office of 'Grand Mufti of India" Kanthapuram AP Abubakar Musliyar. However, the office added that it has yet to receive official written communication from Yemeni 37-year-old nurse from Kerala was scheduled to be executed on July 16 for killing her business partner in Yemen, but it was postponed. n18oc_indian18oc_worldn18oc_breaking-newsNews18 Mobile App -
India Today
21-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Nimisha Priya isn't off the hook, but politics of credit has peaked
Seven years after Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya was sentenced to death in Yemen in 2018 for the murder of a Yemeni national, she was scheduled to be executed on July 16. But hours before the death sentence was to be carried out, reports said that the execution had been postponed due to the intervention of Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, also known as Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker deferment, credited to the Kerala-based Musliyar, the 'Grand Mufti of India', may have provided temporary relief for Priya and her family through his intervention. But as her fate remains uncertain and further negotiations continue in Yemen, a battle, political in nature, over Musliyar's credit for the reprieve has erupted on Kerala's social media. Political parties, religious groups, and organisations, including the Nimisha Priya Action Council, are clashing online over who deserves the credit and also who does ruling CPM, which is considered close to the influential AP group led by Musliyar, swiftly praised his humanitarian intervention in securing the postponement, and showing "the real Kerala story". Meanwhile, Samuel Jerome, who heads the Nimisha Priya Action Council, and had been advocating for her release for years, claimed that no religious leader played a role in delaying her death sentence, and all talks happened at the government PRIYA CASE AND MUSLIYAR INTERVENTIONNimisha Priya, a 38-year-old nurse from a Christian family in Kerala's Palakkad district, moved to Yemen in 2008 to pursue better job prospects. She later partnered with Talal Abdo Mahdi to establish a clinic in Sanaa. The relationship soured when Mahdi allegedly harassed her, claimed her as his wife publicly, and withheld her 2017, attempting to retrieve her passport, Priya sedated Mahdi, leading to his death from an overdose, according to Yemeni authorities. She was convicted of murder in 2018, and Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council upheld the death sentence in November 2023. With India lacking diplomatic relations with Yemen's Houthi-controlled government, efforts to save Priya relied on unconventional channels, including negotiations for "diyya" (blood money) to secure a pardon from Mahdi's AP Aboobacker Musliyar, a prominent Sunni scholar and leader of the All India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulama, emerged as a key figure in delaying Priya's execution."I intervened as a human being. In our dealings with society, we do not consider religion or caste," Musliyar told the media, adding about his outreach to Yemeni Islamic scholars to explore legal possibilities under Sharia law. He noted that the scholars assured cooperation, and an official court notification, which Musliyar's office watermarked and circulated, confirmed the network included ties with former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and other top Middle Eastern PRAISED MUSLIYAR, HIGHLIGHTED 'TRUE KERALA STORY'Back in Kerala, the postponement sparked a debate over who should claim credit, and who should CPM, which is aligned with the Musliyar-led AP group, one of the half-dozen Muslim community-based groups in Kerala, was quick to crown him the "favourite Musliyar" for delaying the State Secretary MV Govindan praised him, saying, "No amount of appreciation is enough for what Kanthapuram Musliyar has done. He has truly become everyone's favourite Musliyar".Govindan highlighted Musliyar's humanitarian efforts and Kerala's secular values. He, for obvious reasons, also noted the CPM state government's proactive role, including memoranda sent to the Prime Minister and Union Foreign posts on X reveal a polarised narrative. One user criticised the Kerala media for overemphasising Musliyar's role, arguing it overshadowed India's diplomatic efforts."Kerala media is bending over backwards to praise religious leader Kanthapuram as if a religious figure holds more sway than an entire nation's diplomacy. What nonsense," wrote a the MEA said it had no information to share about "Musliyar's role".advertisementOn being asked about the Musliyar's role in negotiations, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday said, "As for the role of the entity you have mentioned, I have no information to share on this account"."This is a sensitive matter, and the Government of India has been offering all possible help," Jaiswal said, adding that legal aid was provided, a lawyer appointed, and regular consular visits arranged for Priya. We're in touch with local authorities and the family to resolve the issue. Efforts were made recently to get more time for Nimisha Priya's family to reach a settlement. Her execution, scheduled for July 16, has been postponed. We're following the matter closely and also speaking with friendly governments," he RELIGIOUS LEADER INVOLVED: NIMISHA PRIYA ACTION COUNCILSamuel Jerome, who led the Nimisha Priya Action Council advocating for years for the nurse's release and respite, said that no religious leader was involved in the postponement of Nimisha Priya's death sentence. He clarified that all discussions were held at the government level. Jerome had been working closely with Priya's family back in India for years also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, the Ministry of External Affairs, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Indian Embassy officials, MLA Chandy Oommen, and Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar for their efforts in postponing Nimisha Priya's Nimisha Priya Action Council further clarified that the central government acted through the Saudi Embassy. Samuel also said that Sheikh Abdul Malik Mehaya from Saudi Arabia played a key role in engaging with the Yemeni government.'CRORES FOR RAHIM, NOT A RUPEE FOR PRIYA,' SAID CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION IN 2024The Christian Association and Alliance for Social Action (Casa), which shares a cordial relationship with the BJP, previously supportive of Priya's plea, faced backlash for reversing its stance after reports of Musliyar's intervention came Casa's Malappuram unit had criticised the lack of support for Priya compared to another case. "There are people ready to spend crores on Rahim, but no one seems willing to raise even a rupee for Nimisha Priya," it said in Casa President Kevin Peters has questioned government intervention with convicted citizens abroad, asking, "What message does a country like Bharat send when it intervenes to help people convicted of crimes overseas?"The change of stance of the Casa was spotted by people, from strong support for Nimisha Priya, a fellow Christian, to sudden silence after reports of Musliyar's intervention, with some raising questions about CASA's alignment and selective the politics over credit and the postponement of the hanging, Priya's fate still hangs in the balance, with no final decision yet on her execution. But the politics of credit-taking has peaked in Kerala.- Ends(with inputs from Ajmal Abbas)Tune InMust Watch
News18
16-07-2025
- 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.
NDTV
16-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
'No Pardon, It's A Crime': Brother Of Yemeni Man Killed By Kerala Nurse
New Delhi: Abdelfattah Mehdi, brother of Talal Abdo Mehdi, who was allegedly murdered by Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya in 2017, has asserted that there can be no pardon for the crime. He said that Nimisha Priya has to be executed. Abdelfattah also expressed firmly the family's deep displeasure in the manner in which the Indian media has been "distorting things to portray the convicted as a victim". Incidentally, Nimisha Priya was to be executed on Wednesday, but following the lengthy period of multipronged negotiations, her execution has been kept in abeyance. Numerous efforts from several quarters, which included full support of the Indian government, besides agencies based in Saudi Arabia and religious intervention from the Grand Mufti, Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, who reportedly reached out to a friend in Yemen's Shoora Council to help mediate, all led to the decision of deferring the execution until further orders. State CPI-M secretary M. V. Govindan on Wednesday morning met Musliyar, and negotiations are underway. "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," said Govindan. Meanwhile, the biggest relief that has come is that the execution has been kept in abeyance until further orders. It's the family of the victim that can pardon Nimisha Priya. However, with a difference of opinion surfacing in the family, the religious people involved in the negotiations, besides officials, are trying their best to resolve the issue. The biggest hurdle now seems to be making the family understand the tragedy, and once that's done, the 'blood money' will be handed over. Meanwhile, it has been learnt that the next part of the negotiation will centre around the 'blood money' that will be given. For the unversed, 'blood money' is monetary compensation to the family of the person killed in exchange for forgiveness. It is an accepted practice under Sharia law. Kerala billionaire M A Yusuf Ali has expressed his willingness to chip in with whatever financial support is needed. The efforts of the Indian government have been vital, and all eyes are on the negotiations, which are underway in full earnestness. Priya is currently lodged in a jail in Yemen, facing the death penalty for the alleged murder of her former business partner Mehdi, in 2017. Since the announcement of the execution date, politicians across party lines in Kerala have appealed to the Union government and the President for urgent intervention. Priya moved to Yemen in 2008 to support her family and initially worked as a nurse before opening her clinic. In 2017, following a dispute with Mehdi -- her business partner -- she allegedly administered sedatives to him in a bid to retrieve her confiscated passport. However, the sedatives proved fatal. She was arrested while attempting to flee the country and was convicted of murder in 2018. A death sentence was handed down in 2020 and upheld by Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023. However, the court allowed the possibility of clemency through a blood money arrangement.
News18
15-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Islam Has Another Law': Influential Cleric Steps In To Help Defer Nimisha Priya's Execution
Last Updated: The efforts to save the Indian nurse on death row in Yemen were made under the leadership of a Sufi scholar at the behest of Sunni Muslim leader Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar Influential Sunni Muslim leader Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar stepped in at the last minute to facilitate the postponement of the execution of Indian nurse, Nimisha Priya, in Yemen on July 16. The efforts to save Nimisha Priya, who is on death row for murdering her business partner Talal Abdo Mahdi in 2017, were made under the leadership of a Sufi scholar there at the behest of Musliyar, sources said. The 94-year-old Musliyar, who is officially known as Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, holds the title of Grand Mufti of India. He held talks with religious authorities in Yemen, who are in contact with Mahdi's family. Musliyar told news agency ANI that there is a law in Islam, which allows the victim's family to pardon the murderer. He said while he does not know the victim's family, he contacted Yemeni scholars and urged them to talk to the family. '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," Musliyar was quoted. Under shariah law, as applied in Yemen, blood money is a legally recognised financial compensation paid to the family of a person who has been killed. It is a legally sanctioned alternative to capital punishment in Islamic jurisprudence. Nimisha Priya, hailing from Palakkad district, was sentenced to death in 2020, and her final appeal was rejected in 2023. She is currently imprisoned in a jail in Yemeni capital Sanaa. (With agency inputs) 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.
