Nimisha Priya – Kerala Nurse Nimisha Priya’s Execution Postponed in Yemen

July 16, 2025 — A major development has taken place in the case of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, who was sentenced to death in Yemen. Her execution, which was scheduled for this day, has been postponed by Yemeni authorities. This news has brought hope to her family and supporters in India.

Nimisha Priya is a 38-year-old nurse from Kollengode, a town in Palakkad district, Kerala. She moved to Yemen in 2008 to work as a nurse. Later, she opened a clinic in Sanaa, the capital city of Yemen. Her business partner was Talal Abdo Mahdi, a Yemeni citizen.

In July 2017, Nimisha was accused of murdering Mahdi. Reports say she injected him with a sedative called ketamine. She wanted to get back her passport, which Mahdi had taken from her. But the injection caused his death. After that, his body was dismembered and hidden in a water tank.

Nimisha was arrested while trying to cross the Yemen-Saudi border. In 2018, a Yemeni court found her guilty and sentenced her to death. Her trial was held in Arabic. She did not have proper legal help or an interpreter. In 2020, a higher court confirmed her death sentence. Her final appeal was rejected in November 2023.

Since then, Nimisha has been in Sanaa Central Prison, which is under Houthi control. The Indian government has tried many ways to help her. But Yemen is not officially recognized by India, so diplomatic efforts have been limited.

Under Islamic law, there are two options in murder cases — Qisas and Diyya. Qisas means “an eye for an eye.” It allows the victim’s family to demand the death of the accused. Diyya means “blood money.” The family can forgive the accused in exchange for money.

Nimisha’s family and supporters offered $1 million (around ₹8.6 crore) as blood money. But the victim’s family refused. They said they want retribution, not money. Mahdi’s brother, Abdelfattah Mahdi, said they will not forgive Nimisha. He believes the murder was done with full intention.

The postponement of the execution came after efforts by religious leaders. Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, also known as the Grand Mufti of India, played a key role. He contacted Islamic scholars in Yemen and asked them to help. His intervention helped delay the execution.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan welcomed the news. He said it was “comforting and hopeful.” He praised the efforts of Musliyar and the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, a group working to save her.

Now, Nimisha’s fate depends on the victim’s family. If they agree to accept blood money, she may be pardoned. If not, the execution may still happen. Her family continues to hope for mercy and forgiveness.

This case has drawn attention across India and abroad. Many people are praying for Nimisha’s life. Her story shows the challenges faced by Indians working in foreign countries. It also highlights the importance of legal support and diplomatic help in such cases.

As of now, Nimisha remains in prison. Her execution is delayed, but not canceled. The coming days will decide whether she lives or dies.

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