Efforts to secure the release of Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse convicted of murder and sentenced to death in Yemen, have intensified following a last-minute stay of her execution on July 16, 2025.
At the forefront are India’s Grand Mufti Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, evangelist Dr. KA Paul, and Indian government officials, working through diplomatic and religious channels.
The Grand Mufti reached out to Yemeni Islamic scholars to urge acceptance of Diya (blood money) in place of execution — a provision under Sharia law. His appeal reportedly influenced the postponement, with Yemeni clerics now expected to begin dialogue with the victim’s family, according to news reports.
Dr. KA Paul — an Indian evangelist and politician; founder of the US-based organizations Global Peace Initiative — speaking from Yemen, declared the death sentence “cancelled” and credited 10 days of nonstop efforts by Indian and Yemeni leaders. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and offered logistical support for Priya’s return.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed it is “actively engaged”, having appointed legal counsel, provided consular support, and coordinated with Yemeni authorities. Officials say these efforts helped secure the temporary reprieve.
Negotiations now hinge on whether the victim’s family will accept Diya, which could commute the sentence. The Grand Mufti’s office has requested clearance from President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi to send a delegation to Yemen, including advocates and action council members.
Nimisha Priya remains imprisoned in Sanaa, but with legal, diplomatic, and religious actors aligned, hopes for her release are stronger than ever.
