Confusion over Nimisha Priya’s Death Sentence: Cleric Claims Cancellation, MEA Denies

Conflicting reports have emerged over the fate of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who was sentenced to death in Yemen for the 2017 murder of a Yemeni national. While an influential cleric in India announced the cancellation of her execution, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has firmly rejected the claim.

In a statement issued Monday, the office of Indian Grand Mufti Kanthapuram AP Abubakker Musliyar said, "The death sentence of Nimisha Priya, which was previously suspended, has been overturned. A high-level meeting held in Sanaa decided to completely cancel the death sentence that was temporarily suspended earlier."

However, the MEA responded on Tuesday, clarifying that the reports of a sentence cancellation are “inaccurate.” The Ministry emphasized that while the execution, originally scheduled for July 16, had been postponed due to diplomatic efforts, no formal revocation of the death sentence has taken place.

Nimisha Priya, 38, had moved to Yemen in search of better opportunities and began working as a nurse. In 2015, she partnered with a Yemeni man, Talal Abdo Mahdi, to establish a clinic, as foreign nationals are barred from owning businesses independently in the country.

Priya later accused Mahdi of fraud and abuse, claiming he used a manipulated wedding photo taken in India to falsely assert they were married. According to Priya, Mahdi seized control of the clinic and confiscated her passport, effectively trapping her in Yemen.

In a desperate attempt to retrieve her passport and escape the country, Priya allegedly sedated Mahdi. The dose proved fatal, and she was subsequently convicted of his murder.

Following her conviction, Priya was sentenced to death by a court in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital currently under the control of Houthi rebels. Her execution was scheduled for July 16, 2025, but was temporarily postponed after Indian officials intervened.

Efforts to save her life have included negotiations with Mahdi’s family for a possible diya (blood money) settlement, as permitted under Yemeni law. The case has garnered significant public attention in India, especially from human rights groups and the Kerala-based “Save Nimisha Priya” campaign.

Despite the confusion, the MEA has reiterated its commitment to pursuing all possible avenues to ensure Priya receives a fair hearing and to work toward commuting her sentence.

As of now, Nimisha Priya is in a prison in Sanaa while diplomatic and legal discussions continue in the background.