India, July 15 -- The authorities in Yemen on Tuesday deferred the execution of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, which was scheduled on July 16, indefinitely, lifting the hopes of her family for her freedom.

The Yemeni administration's order, seen by HT, stated that the execution of Priya, held in a jail in Sanaa for the murder of her business partner and Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi, has been deferred until a new date is announced. The order gives the family of Priya and the outfit formed to secure her release more time to hold talks with Mahdi's family and reach an amicable settlement.

Priya's husband Tomy Thomas, who works with a private firm in Coimbatore, expressed relief and hope following the decision.

"I'm relieved. It's a found...