Nimisha Priya’s Death Sentence not overturned: Indian govt

Nimisha Priya’s Death Sentence: Reports have emerged, notably from the office of the Indian Grand Mufti Kanthapuram A.P. Abubakker Musliyar, claiming that Nimisha Priya’s death sentence in Yemen has been overturned. Nimisha Priya’s Death Sentence not overturned: Indian govt.

The Grand Mufti’s office stated that a high-level meeting in Sanaa decided to “completely cancel the death sentence that was temporarily suspended earlier.” However, the Indian government has called these reports “inaccurate.” Sources within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have stated that the information being shared by certain individuals on the Nimisha Priya case is not accurate.

Indian officials handling the case have not confirmed any such development. Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala, was sentenced to death in Yemen for the 2017 murder of her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi. Her final appeal was rejected in November 2023, and her execution was initially scheduled for July 16, 2025, but was temporarily postponed following interventions.

Efforts to save Nimisha Priya have included exploring the option of “diyat” or blood money, a provision under Islamic law that allows the victim’s family to pardon the accused in exchange for financial compensation. However, a consensus on this with Mahdi’s family has been a challenge, and his brother has reportedly denied forgiving Priya.

The situation remains complex, with Indian officials indicating their capacity to intervene directly is limited due to India not having a diplomatic presence in Houthi-controlled Sanaa. The MEA has confirmed they are actively engaged in assisting Priya’s family through legal aid and consular visits, focusing on negotiations for blood money.

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