Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse who faces the death penalty in Yemen, was dealt a lifeline this week when her execution was suspended temporarily thanks to a mix of religious diplomacy and ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts by Indian authorities.
Muftis and Clerics Step In Across Borders
The move followed India’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad wrote to respected Yemeni cleric Sheikh Umar bin Hafiz, appealing to him to meet the family of Talal Abdol Mehdi, the Yemeni national Priya had accidentally murdered.
As per Deputy Mufti Hussain Saquafi, a close associate of Sheikh Abubakr, Sheikh Umar welcomed the idea and sent his students to interact with the victim’s family in person. After prolonged negotiations, the family accepted to suspend the execution for four hours, giving a new lease of life to Priya’s legal team.
Sunni Solidarity Transcends Sectarian Divides
The key aid to the negotiations was the common Sunni identity of the victim’s family and Sheikh Umar bin Hafiz. In spite of Yemen’s capital Sanaa being taken over by Shia Houthi rebels, the influence of the Sunni cleric bridged the sectarian divides and resulted in a temporary reprieve.
India’s Diplomatic Channels Stay Active
Indian Ministry of External Affairs officials confirmed that there had been low-key diplomatic activity for months. One of the senior officials who was posted at the Saudi Arabian embassy to handle Yemen affairs remained in touch with Yemeni officials despite the Israel-Iran war-induced delays.
“He kept in touch with the Yemeni authorities for months. The Israel-Iran war had temporarily stalled the dialogue, but once tensions eased, we got back to talking immediately,” said an official.
India Pays Record Blood Money to Rescue Nurse
India has reportedly paid a record figure in “diyya” or blood money to release Priya. “We told them that if blood money is 2 crore, we will pay 20 crores and yet the family didn’t agree,” a government official disclosed.
Even though the execution was not called off, the hiatus created opportunities for more negotiation and a possible settlement, officials said.
Religious Diplomacy and Political Support Join Hands
Deputy Mufti Hussain Saquafi stated the intervention followed after the Government of India presented an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating its helplessness in rescuing Nimisha. “Mufti sahab intervened after the Government of India filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court, showing its helplessness in rescuing Nimisha,” he stated.
He further explained that Kerala politicians invited the Mufti to assist them in contacting Sheikh Umar due to their long-standing relationship.
Foreign ministry officials, however, made it clear that the result was not the consequence of one conversation. “Is a hanging to be stayed over a phone call within a day? It is evident outcome of tireless efforts. we have been busy for months,” a source said.
The Case: From Aspiration to Arrest
Nimisha Priya, who came to Yemen in 2008 to help her family in Kerala, initially worked in hospitals and then set up a clinic. In accordance with the requirements of local regulations, she joined hands with Yemeni national Talal Abdol Mehdi.
But after reportedly being harassed, including having her passport and money withheld, she injected Mehdi with a sedative in 2017 with the intention of getting back her passport. Mehdi died as a result of the injection, and Priya was arrested while trying to escape the country.
Next Steps: A Pause, Not an End
Despite her execution being put on hold for the moment, Nimisha Priya’s fate remains unclear. Her case continues to attract widespread attention in India, particularly in Kerala, as civil society organizations and politicians call for greater efforts to secure her return.
The case has highlighted the influential role of religious diplomacy and concerted statecraft, and provided a glimpse into how backchannel mechanisms can alter the direction of justice.
