SANA: Abdul Fattah Mahdi, brother of murdered Yemeni national Talal, has firmly denied any approach for mediation from either Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar or the office of Sheikh Habib Umar regarding the release of Malayali nurse Nimisha Priya, who faces the death penalty in Yemen.
No room for talks or compromise
In a Facebook post, Mahdi stated that they are “not ready for any kind of mediation talks.” He emphasised that Islam is the religion of truth and warned against spreading falsehoods. He reiterated that his family seeks only justice for Talal’s killing, declaring, “We are not afraid of anyone. This is our blood, our right. There is no room for provocation and distorting the truth.” His post also included screenshots from Malayalam news channels reporting on the case.
Call for execution date
Earlier, Mahdi had demanded that a new date be set for Nimisha Priya’s execution, signalling his family’s stance against any reconciliation efforts.
Kanthapuram’s statement on credit claims
Meanwhile, Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, speaking at the Palakkad SSF Literary Festival, criticised those attempting to take credit for the postponement of Priya’s execution. “We don’t want the credit,” he said, adding that he merely performed his duty and does not engage in forcing religious conversions. He noted that, under Islamic law, the victim’s family has the right to forgive the accused—either without compensation or in exchange for monetary payment.
Background on the case
Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala, was convicted in Yemen for the murder of her husband Talal. The case has drawn attention both in India and internationally, with human rights groups and some community leaders attempting to negotiate her release. However, Mahdi’s statement makes it clear that the victim’s family remains firmly opposed to any settlement.