Execution of Kerala Nurse Nimisha Priya Postponed; Husband Says ‘Relieved, Will Keep Fighting’

The family of Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala sentenced to death in Yemen, expressed relief on Tuesday after learning that her scheduled execution has been postponed. Her husband, Tomy Thomas, told PTI that this update has brought them some comfort. "It’s a relief that the execution has been pushed back. We are hopeful, and the efforts to save her will go on," he said. Thomas thanked everyone who supported the campaign to help his wife and said their daughter, currently in Class 13, has been kept away from the ongoing developments for her well-being.

What Led to the Death Sentence

Nimisha, aged 38 and originally from Kollengode in Kerala’s Palakkad district, was found guilty by a Yemeni court of murdering her local business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in July 2017. She was sentenced to death in 2020, and her final appeal was rejected by Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023.

The postponement of her execution, originally set for July 16, 2025, follows extensive diplomatic efforts from India. One key figure in these talks was Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar, a senior Sunni Muslim leader, who reached out to religious authorities in Yemen. A meeting was also arranged between his representatives and the victim’s family to explore possible resolutions.

Legal and Diplomatic Hurdles Remain

Despite the delay, the Indian government has acknowledged its limitations in intervening directly. The Supreme Court recently responded with concern after the government said it could do very little in the matter due to jurisdictional challenges in Yemen. During a court hearing, Nimisha’s legal team mentioned that the only viable option now may be negotiating a blood money settlement if the deceased’s family agrees.

Hope Continues, But So Do Challenges

India's Attorney General assured the Supreme Court that efforts are ongoing, including discussions with Yemeni prosecutors to secure a stay on the execution. However, he admitted the situation remains difficult, given the complexities of Yemen’s legal and political landscape.