Even After Stay in Execution There Is No Relief for Indian Nurse Nimisha Priya

Even as Indian nurse Nimisha Priya's execution date has been set aside indefinitely, her chances of escaping the gallows at Yemeni capital Sanaa's Central Prison have turned bleak as family members of the murdered victim have conveyed through social media that they refuse all offers of reconciliation including blood money.

- BELIE THOMAS

They are insisting on "Qisas", which is retributive justice as per Sharia (Islamic law).

In an Arabic-worded Facebook post, murdered victim Tala Abdo Mahdi's brother, Abdelfattah Mahdi has stated that the family has turned down every effort of reconciliation, including the blood money.

Translated into English from Arabic, the post reads: "What is happening today, and all talks of mediation and reconciliation attempts, is neither new nor surprising. Over the years, there have been covert efforts and serious attempts at mediation and that is natural. But the pressure has not changed us. Our demand is clear: Qisas, and nothing else, no matter what." The post adds, "Unfortunately, we did not expect this (execution set aside for another date), especially since those who delayed it know full well that we reject all reconciliation. What comes after an execution date is always harder. We will follow through with it—no postponement will stop us. No pressure will shake us. Blood cannot be bought. Justice cannot be forgotten. Qisas will be done, no matter how long it takes. With God's help."

Tala's brother has also dismissed allegations made by Nimisha to the law enforcement agencies in Yemen that Mahdi abused her, embezzled funds, forged marriage documents, and confiscated her passport, and thus trapped her in Yemen. "These baseless allegations have also made our family grow stronger in demanding the execution of the convict," Abdelfattah Mahdi states.

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