Nimisha Priya’s execution postponed, Yemeni family yet to agree on pardon or blood money

The execution of Nimisha Priya, the Kerala nurse sentenced to death in Yemen, has been suspended, according to a Yemeni government order on Tuesday. However, the victim’s family has not yet agreed to a pardon or to accept blood money, said Samuel Jerome Baskaran, a member of the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, who has been based in Yemen since 1999.

Nimisha Priya's mother, Premakumari, expressed relief over the decision, saying that she hopes to return home with her daughter. Premakumari, who is currently in Yemen's Aden, added that even a lifetime would not be enough to express her gratitude. Her husband, Tomy, also expressed relief over the postponement of her death sentence. He described the development as the result of collective efforts and prayers.

One of the key figures directly involved in the efforts to extend her execution and save her was the Grand Mufti of India, Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar. He said that he had personally spoken to Muslim scholars in Yemen regarding the case. "We have spoken to the concerned Muslim scholars, and the people of Yemen would listen to them," Musliyar said at a press conference on Tuesday. He added that the Indian government has been informed of their involvement in the matter, and a letter has been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlining the recent developments in the case.

His representatives are now in direct contact with the family of Talal Abdo Mahdi, including his brother. This is the first time a close family member has come to the negotiation table.

Hectic negotiations have been underway to save Nimisha, who was convicted for the 2017 murder of her Yemeni business partner. With her execution scheduled for July 16, advocacy groups and influential religious leaders have stepped in for a last-minute intervention.

Nimisha remains on death row in Sana’a, Yemen’s capital, where India has no diplomatic presence and does not officially recognise the ruling authorities. These conditions have severely limited the Indian government’s ability to intervene. The situation is further complicated by Yemen’s tribal structure, which plays a key role in conflict resolution. Despite the challenges, India has formally requested a stay on execution and is working through informal channels, including prominent religious leaders.

The talks are being held under Sharia law, which gives the victim’s family the legal right to pardon the convict, either without any conditions or in exchange for blood money, a form of financial compensation recognised in Islamic law.