Yemen defers execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya

Yemeni authorities have postponed the execution of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, which was scheduled for July 16, 2025, sources told ANI. Priya, who is facing the death sentence in a murder case, was granted temporary relief following fresh diplomatic and religious efforts.

Sources told ANI said the Government of India has been providing all possible assistance in the case since the beginning and made renewed efforts in recent days to gain more time for Priya’s family to reach a settlement with the family of Talal Abdo Mahdi, the Yemeni national she was convicted of killing in 2017.

“Despite the sensitivities involved, Indian officials have been in regular touch with the local jail authorities and the prosecutor’s office, leading to securing this postponement,” sources told ANI.


The delay in execution comes as talks are ongoing in Dhamar between representatives of Sufi leader Sheikh Habib Umar bin Hafiz and Mahdi’s family. The meeting was arranged through the intervention of prominent Indian Sunni leader Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, also known as Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad.

The relative representing Mahdi’s family is the Chief Justice of the Hodeidah State Court and a member of the Yemeni Shura Council. He travelled to Dhamar for the discussions on Sheikh Habib Umar’s advice.

“The fact that he is a follower of Sheikh Habib Umar's Sufi order and the son of another prominent Sufi leader offers great hope. Along with persuading the family, he is also expected to meet the Attorney General to initiate urgent efforts to postpone the execution scheduled for tomorrow,” Kanthapuram’s office said on Tuesday.

The family’s willingness to engage in talks is seen as a significant development, as no prior communication had been possible. Sources said that efforts are now focused on negotiating the acceptance of blood money.

Priya, a nurse from Palakkad district in Kerala, has been imprisoned in Sanaa since her conviction in 2020. Her final appeal was dismissed in 2023.

On Monday, the Centre told the Supreme Court that it had limited options in the matter. Attorney General R Venkataramani said, “The Government of India is trying its best and has also engaged with some sheikhs who are very influential people there.”