India’s Grand Mufti, Kanthapuram A.P. Abubakar Musliyar, announced that Yemeni officials have cancelled Nimisha Priya’s death sentence. However, his office also mentioned that it has not yet received formal written confirmation from Yemen.

Her Execution Was Scheduled for July 16

Nimisha Priya, a 37-year-old nurse from Kerala, was sentenced to death in Yemen. Authorities accused her of murdering her business partner. Her execution was scheduled for July 16, 2025. However, officials postponed it earlier this month.

High-Level Talks Led to the Decision

According to reports, a major meeting in Sana’a helped change the situation. The meeting included top Yemeni scholars, nominated by Sheikh Umar Hafeel Thangal, at the request of the Indian Grand Mufti. They met with Yemeni officials and foreign diplomats.

As a result, the group decided to cancel Priya’s death sentence entirely. Previously, the sentence had only been suspended.

Further Discussions Are Still Needed

The Grand Mufti’s office said the talks produced significant progress. However, it added that more conversations are expected. One key issue is a settlement with the family of the deceased man, Talal. Officials plan to resolve it through continued dialogue.

Priya Went to Yemen for Work

In 2008, Nimisha Priya moved to Yemen for a better job. Like many Indian nurses, she wanted to earn more money to support her family. She found work in a private hospital in Sana’a.

She Formed a Business With a Yemeni Man

In 2015, she partnered with Mahdi, a Yemeni citizen, to run a medical clinic. Since Yemeni law bans foreigners from owning clinics alone, Mahdi’s name was necessary for legal purposes.

She Accused Him of Abuse

Later on, Priya said the partnership turned abusive. She and her supporters claimed Mahdi kept her passport, took clinic funds, beat her, and limited her freedom.

She Gave Him Sedatives, Then He Died

In July 2017, Priya gave Mahdi sedatives. She wanted to retrieve her passport. However, he died shortly after. In panic, Priya and a coworker cut up the body and threw the parts in a water tank.

Authorities Caught Her at the Border

Police arrested her at a border crossing in August 2017. The following year, a Yemeni court sentenced her to death. The court said she gave unauthorized drugs, caused Mahdi’s death, and tried to hide the crime. They said her actions showed criminal intent.

Appeals Were Rejected

Later, Priya appealed to higher courts. However, they rejected her requests. In November 2023, the Supreme Judicial Council confirmed the death sentence.

At that time, the Houthi group controlled Yemen’s legal system. As a result, they officially scheduled her execution for July 16, 2025.