The death sentence of Kerala Nurse Nimisha Priya has been officially cancelled by Yemen, according to a statement by the office of Indian Grand Mufti Kanthapuram A. P. Aboobacker Musliyar. The announcement follows a high-level mediation meeting in Sanaa that reportedly led to revoking the previously suspended execution order.
While India’s Ministry of External Affairs is yet to confirm the development, the Grand Mufti’s office describes the decision as an achievement through religious diplomacy and dialogue.
Nimisha Priya Case: Background & Legal History
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Conviction: Kerala Nurse Priya was convicted in 2018 following the murder of Yemeni businessman Talal Abdo Mahdi, whom she allegedly sedated in 2017 to reclaim her passport. The incident led to his death, and sentencing of Nimisha to death.
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Judicial process: After her conviction in 2020, Supreme Judicial Council upheld the sentence in 2023. Intervention of the Grand Mufti led to Execution being postponed at the last minute.
ALSO READ: Why Did Yemen Postpone the Execution of the Indian Nurse on Death Row?
Nimisha Priya Case: Interventions & Mediation
The Grand Mufti’s office played a critical role in opening lines of religious diplomacy.
A Yemeni delegation of scholars, appointed at his request thn took part in talks with Northern Yemeni authorities. They also talked with international diplomats, and representatives of Mahdi’s family. The mediation also involved searching for diyah (Islamic blood money) as a possible path to mercy.
Nimisha Priya Case: Official Status & Next Steps
While the Grand Mufti’s office confirmed the cancellation, MEA has not yet issued an official confirmation,
Mediation is ongoing with the victim’s family over potential blood money compensation and full legal closure..
ALSO READ: Grand Mufti Intervenes to Save Kerala Nurse from Yemen Execution
Broader Context
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Capital punishment: Yemen applies Sharia law where relatives of murder victims can demand execution or accept a pardon with diyah compensation.
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Religious diplomacy: As the formal ties between the two countries are limited, the intervention by the Grand Mufti leveraged religious networks and neutral channels to effect change
Humanitarian Dimension
Supporters—including Nimisha’s husband and daughter—traveled to the country accompanied by Indian evangelist Dr. K. A. Paul, who has been a key advocate. Her 13-year-old daughter Mishel released an emotional plea message urging the Yemeni authorities for her mother’s release.
In a poignant video shared via PTI, Mishel, speaking in Malayalam and English, tearfully told her mother, “I love you, mamma… I miss you,”. Thomas expressed gratitude to Yemen’s authorities for postponing the execution originally slated for July 16, 2025,
