Nimisha Priya
New Delhi/Sanaa: Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who was sentenced to death in Yemen for the murder of a Yemeni national, is reportedly set to be released following sustained interventions by Indian and Yemeni interlocutors. However, there has been no official confirmation yet from the Government of India, her family, or the Yemeni authorities.
Evangelist and Global Peace Initiative founder Dr. K.A. Paul, speaking from Sanaa on Tuesday night (local time), claimed that Priya’s execution has been cancelled and that preparations are underway for her repatriation. In a video message, Dr. Paul thanked Yemeni leaders and expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support in the diplomatic efforts. “By God’s grace, she will be released and returned to India. I want to thank Prime Minister Modi ji for preparing to send your diplomats and for arranging her safe return,” he said.
He further added that logistical arrangements are being discussed to bring Priya back to India via Oman, Jeddah, Egypt, Iran, or Turkiye.
Priya, a 37-year-old nurse from Kerala, was convicted in a Yemeni court for the murder of her former employer. Her death sentence was upheld by Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023, with the execution scheduled for July 16, 2025.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had previously confirmed its involvement in the case. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had noted that legal assistance was provided to Priya’s family, including the appointment of a lawyer to pursue clemency under Yemen’s Sharia law. Regular consular access was also ensured, with the Indian government maintaining communication with local authorities regarding her welfare.
Religious leaders played a key role in influencing the outcome. The Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad Kanthapuram, stated that he appealed to Yemeni Islamic scholars to accept Diya (blood money) as permitted under Islamic law. “I did not see her religion but her humanity. I requested they accept Diya, and after my appeal, the execution was postponed,” he told ANI.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier welcomed the deferral of the execution and acknowledged the efforts of the Grand Mufti, the Action Council, and civil society members in supporting Priya’s case.
With her return now reportedly being coordinated, official sources indicate that diplomatic formalities are still ongoing. Further updates from the Ministry of External Affairs are awaited.\
