New Delhi: His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Andrew Thazhath, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), has expressed his heartfelt satisfaction and relief over the extension of the execution date of Ms. Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse currently on death row in Yemen.
In his statement, the CBCI President extended his gratitude and appreciation to all those individuals, organizations, and authorities - both in India and abroad - who made persistent interventions and engaged in dialogue with the Government of Yemen and the family of the deceased. Their tireless humanitarian efforts have helped secure more time, offering a renewed ray of hope in this grave and sensitive situation.
In light of the discussions held by Rev. Dr. Mathew Koickal, Deputy Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, and Advocate Deepa Joseph with Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, regarding the case of Nimisha Priya, Archbishop Andrews expressed his appreciation for the intervention of the Vatican's Secretariat of State - undertaken in response to Archbishop Girelli’s request as well as for the diplomatic efforts made with other countries. Archbishop Andrews Thazhath expressed hope that, through ongoing dialogue and international cooperation, the life of Ms. Nimisha Priya might be spared and that she may ultimately be granted freedom.
The Catholic Church in India continues to uphold the sanctity of every human life and prays for justice tempered with mercy in this matter.