As executions continue, India’s diplomatic efforts remain crucial in securing legal aid and clemency for its citizens abroad
Within days of the execution of Shahzadi Sabbeer Khan, a 30-year-old caregiver from Uttar Pradesh, two Indian men from Kerala were also executed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their involvement in murder cases, reported Outlook citing other media reports.
According to reports by Manorama Online, the two individuals were identified as Muhammad Rinash A and Muraleedharan PV.
Rinash, who worked at a travel agency in Al Ain, was convicted of murdering a UAE national, while Muraleedharan faced the death penalty for the murder of an Indian man in the UAE.
The UAE authorities reportedly carried out the executions after notifying India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on February 28. The ministry confirmed that all possible legal assistance had been extended to both individuals. Additionally, arrangements are being made for their families to attend their last rites.
28 Indians on Death Row in UAE
- A report by The Tribune highlights that as of February 13, a total of 29 Indians were facing death sentences in the UAE
- However, the count has now reduced to 28 following the execution of Shahzadi Khan on February 15 in Abu Dhabi
- The MEA provided this update to a court in Delhi during a recent hearing
Shahzadi Khan’s Execution Shocks Family
Shahzadi Sabbeer Khan, a caregiver from Banda district in Uttar Pradesh, was sentenced to death last year for the alleged murder of a four-month-old infant. Her execution on February 15 left her family in shock, especially since they had spoken to her on the very same day. During a hearing in the Delhi High Court, the Centre’s counsel confirmed her execution in response to a petition filed by her father inquiring about her well-being. The MEA asserted that the Indian Embassy had extended legal aid, including the submission of mercy petitions and pardon requests, despite the family’s claims that their repeated pleas for assistance were ignored.
Kerala Nurse Faces Death Sentence in Yemen
Meanwhile, another Indian national, Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, faces execution in Yemen. In December, Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi signed her death sentence after she was convicted of murdering a Yemeni citizen, Talal Abdo Mahdi. According to reports, Priya administered sedatives to Mahdi in an attempt to retrieve her passport from his possession, leading to his death.
Since her imprisonment in 2017, Priya’s mother, Prema Kumari, has been negotiating with the victim’s family to pay ‘blood money’—a compensation offered to the victim’s kin in exchange for pardoning the offender. She has been assisted by the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, a group of NRI social workers based in Yemen.
Addressing the case, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We are aware of the sentencing of Nimisha Priya in Yemen. We understand that her family is exploring relevant options, and the government is providing all possible assistance in the matter.”
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