Nimisha Priya's Execution In Yemen Postponed Amid Diplomatic Efforts

Indian nurse Nimisha Priya's execution in Yemen, set for July 16, has been postponed. The reprieve follows concerted efforts by the Indian government, opening a crucial window for "blood money" negotiations with the victim's family.

Nimisha Priya's Execution In Yemen Postponed Amid Diplomatic Efforts

In a dramatic turn of events, the execution of Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse on death row in Yemen, scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, 2025, has been postponed by local authorities. This last-minute reprieve follows intensive diplomatic and religious interventions, offering a glimmer of hope for her life.

Nimisha Priya is currently imprisoned in Yemen, facing the death penalty for the alleged murder of her former business partner, Talal Abdo Mehdi, in 2017. Her death sentence was upheld by Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023.

Sources indicate that frantic negotiations are currently underway involving influential figures, including the local Chief Justice of the Yemeni court, a senior cleric from the powerful Shoora Council, and members of Mehdi’s family. These discussions aim to persuade Mehdi's family to accept "blood money" (diyah), a form of financial compensation permissible under Islamic law that could lead to a pardon or deferral of the execution.

Efforts gained significant momentum thanks to the intervention of Kerala’s Grand Mufti, Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, who reportedly contacted a friend in Yemen's Shoora Council to mediate. A close relative of the deceased, who also serves as the Chief Justice of the Hodeidah State Court and a member of the Yemeni Shura Council, has reportedly travelled to Dhamar to participate in these critical talks.

Kerala Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar also intervened, speaking with officials from the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday to press for urgent action. Philanthropic support has emerged, with Kerala billionaire M.A. Yusuf Ali expressing his willingness to contribute financially to secure Priya's release.

The case has drawn widespread concern across India and internationally, highlighting the precarious situation of Indian migrant workers in conflict-ridden regions. Nimisha Priya's mother, Prema Kumari, has been at the forefront of the campaign to save her daughter, even traveling to Sanaa, Yemen, to attempt direct negotiations with the victim's family. She is supported by the 'Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council.'

On Monday, the Supreme Court of India heard the matter, with the Attorney General conveying that while the Government of India was making "utmost possible" efforts, its options were limited due to the complex and unrecognised diplomatic situation in Houthi-controlled Sanaa where Priya is incarcerated. The court noted the "very unfortunate" situation but acknowledged the government's limitations.

Nimisha Priya moved to Yemen in 2008 for work. In 2017, she allegedly administered sedatives to Talal Abdo Mehdi in an attempt to retrieve her confiscated passport. The sedatives, however, proved fatal. She was arrested while attempting to flee and was convicted of murder in 2018.

The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear the matter again on July 18, awaiting further updates on the ongoing negotiations.