NEW DELHI - The execution of four Indians convicted in the heinous 2012 ‘Nirbhaya’ gang-rape case has been delayed yet again at the last minute – this time indefinitely – after a court agreed to entertain another mercy plea.
Though the date of the men's hanging had been set for February 1 after a previous appeal, the day was pushed back once again following a fresh plea, filed on Friday by convict Vinay Sharma – just one day after the hangman arrived at the Tihar prison in Delhi in preparation for the execution.
While Sharma’s appeal was rejected early on Saturday by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, the request buys the convicted men another two weeks regardless, after which the process could be repeated with further appeals, potentially extending an already lengthy legal standoff, now seven years removed from the crime. A previous execution date was set for January 22.
Under Indian law, criminals found guilty of the same capital offense must be executed on the same date, adding another layer of complication to the case.
Speaking to reporters after a long day waiting in the court for a final verdict, Nirbhaya's mother said that a convict's lawyer had “challenged” her in court, adding through tears: “He said there would be no hanging.”(RT)