Indian nurse Nimisha Priya‘ is on death penalty in Yemen for a murder case, but the penalty is currently suspended. There is no confirmation over her death sentence being overturned, as was being reported earlier on Tuesday. Media reports are now quoting sources from the government, suggesting that the news is false. There has been a lot of debate over her sentencing and India had repeated discussions with the Yemen government, urging them to reconsider their decision. After the current hullabaloo, the situation on Nimisha Priya’s death sentence is still unclear. However, it has given hope to her and her family, and many who have fought for her independence.
Nimisha Priya death sentencing: Local and diplomatic push
Nimisha Priya was given the death sentence by a court in Yemen’s Sanaa in 2020. When she appealed the decision, the Houthi Supreme Political Council rejected it in November 2023. However, the court left a small window open for her under Shariah law, which meant that the victim’s family could forgive her if they were paid blood money (diyah).
The push to free her grew stronger after a group called the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council was formed. This group included politicians, lawyers, and human rights activists. But the case faced many hurdles because India does not have formal diplomatic ties with the Houthi government in Yemen.
While the situation remains uncertain, the Indian government had assured that it would be in touch with local authorities in Sanaa and also with friendly countries in the region to help secure her release.
Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad’s role in saving Nimisha Priya
Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, also known as Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar and India’s Grand Mufti, played a key role in postponing the execution of Nimisha Priya in Yemen. His efforts, made through religious and community channels, gave her a much-needed lifeline.
In fact, many activists and public figures came forward to help, including Kerala MLA Chandy Oommen, who reached out to the Grand Mufti for support.
Recognising the urgency, Sheikh Abubakr had made an effort to reach out to Yemeni Sufi scholar Sheikh Habib Umar bin Hafiz. He asked him to help convince the victim’s family to forgive Nimisha under Islamic law, which allows for a pardon if the family accepts financial compensation, known as diyah or blood money.
The Grand Mufti repeatedly reminded Yemeni leaders of forgiveness and compassion. With help from local religious leaders and tribal elders, Nimisha’s execution was temporarily put on hold.
Nimisha’s family appeal and MEA’s push
Nimisha Priya had worked in private hospitals in Yemen for years. In 2014, her husband and young daughter returned to India due to financial problems. That same year, a civil war broke out in Yemen, and they couldn’t return because the country stopped giving new visas. In 2015, Nimisha teamed up with a Yemeni man named Talal Abdo Mahdi to open a clinic in Sanaa.
In 2020, Nimisha was found guilty of killing Talal in July 2017. In 2023, the Houthi Supreme Judicial Council rejected her appeal for bail and confirmed her punishment. She was placed on death row and was scheduled to be executed on July 16, 2025.
Nimisha’s 13-year-old daughter and her husband had appealed to the Yemeni authorities to release her. Mishel even travelled to Yemen along with Dr. KA Paul, founder of the Global Peace Initiative, to plead for her mother’s life.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said on July 17 that it was doing everything it could to help Nimisha Priya. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a press briefing, shared that a lawyer had been appointed to support her family through the difficult legal process in Yemen. The lawyer is also looking into ways she could be forgiven or pardoned under Sharia law.