Indian Nurse Nimisha Priya’s Death Sentence Overturned in Yemen

The death sentence imposed on Indian nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen has been officially overturned, as confirmed by the office of Indian Grand Mufti Kanthapuram AP Abubakker Musliyar on July 28, 2025. This significant development comes following a high-level meeting held in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, where the decision was made to completely cancel the death penalty that had previously been suspended.

The Grand Mufti’s office stated, “The death sentence of Nimisha Priya, which was previously suspended, has been overturned.” This announcement marks a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn considerable attention and diplomatic efforts from the Indian government.

Nimisha Priya, a 37-year-old nurse from Kerala, faced execution after being convicted of murder in June 2018. Her conviction was upheld by Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023. Initially scheduled for execution on July 16, her sentence was postponed thanks to what officials described as “concerted efforts” by the Government of India.

In a statement on July 17, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) indicated that it was actively engaged in supporting Nimisha Priya’s case. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that a lawyer had been appointed to assist her family in navigating Yemen’s complex legal landscape. This included exploring options for clemency or pardon under Sharia law.

Nimisha Priya had worked in Yemen for several years, having previously returned to India with her husband and young daughter in 2014 due to financial difficulties. Yemen was engulfed in civil war during that period, making it impossible for her family to return. In 2015, she partnered with Talal Abdo Mahdi, a Yemeni citizen, to establish a clinic in Sanaa. Under Yemeni law, only nationals can own clinics, prompting her reliance on Mahdi for support.

Plea documents submitted by Nimisha’s mother detail a troubling history of manipulation and abuse. Mahdi allegedly seized control of the clinic’s ownership documents and coerced Nimisha into believing they were married. He reportedly tortured her, threatened her at gunpoint, and even confiscated her passport to prevent her from fleeing Yemen.

After suffering prolonged abuse, Nimisha attempted to report Mahdi to local authorities, but instead found herself arrested and jailed for six days. Upon her release, the situation reportedly worsened. In July 2017, in a desperate bid to escape her harrowing circumstances, she sought help from a prison warden who suggested sedating Mahdi to retrieve her passport. Unfortunately, Mahdi died from an overdose following her attempts to subdue him.

The overturning of Nimisha Priya’s death sentence is a notable success for Indian diplomatic efforts, highlighting the complexities surrounding international legal systems and the challenges faced by expatriates in conflict zones. As the case continues to unfold, it underscores the importance of advocacy and support for vulnerable individuals caught in dire circumstances.