Yemen, July17,2025
Efforts to save Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who was sentenced to death in Yemen, are still underway, but no breakthrough has been achieved yet. On 16th July, Nimisha was scheduled to be executed by firing squad. However, the execution was postponed at the last moment.
Nimisha was convicted in 2020 for the 2017 murder of her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi. The two were jointly running a clinic in the Yemeni capital, Sana’a. Talal’s mutilated body parts were later found in a water tank. Since then, the case has drawn attention in Yemeni and broader Arab media.
Arab Media Highlights
The Arabic news outlet Al-Mahrah wrote in its report:
“According to Yemen’s Islamic law, Nimisha Priya can only be pardoned if the victim’s family agrees to forgive her.”
The report adds that several important religious scholars are also involved in the efforts to save Nimisha. Among them is Sheikh Habib Umar bin Hafiz, a prominent Sufi scholar from Yemen. The Indian government is also trying through diplomatic channels, but due to poor relations with the Houthi regime, the efforts have seen little success.
Another outlet, Al-Yemen Al-Ghad, stated:
“The Nimisha Priya case is no longer just a criminal matter. Law, tradition, politics, and religion are all now intertwined. The postponement of her execution has raised hopes.”
The UAE-based Gulf News wrote:
“India faces a major challenge in Nimisha Priya’s case because of its very limited diplomatic presence in Yemen. India does not recognize the Houthi government, which leaves it with few intervention options. India is relying on tribal and religious leaders to help save Nimisha. Last-minute efforts were made through India’s Grand Mufti, and they succeeded in delaying her execution on the scheduled day. However, the danger is far from over.”
Victim’s Family Stands Firm
The Arabic website Al-Quds cited a Facebook post by Abdul Fattah Mahdi, brother of the victim Talal Abdo Mahdi. The post, dated Wednesday, says:
“There is nothing new or surprising in the ongoing mediation efforts. Attempts at mediation have been happening for years. Despite this, our stance remains unchanged. We have made our demands very clear — the criminal must be punished. We want nothing more.”
“Unfortunately, the execution was postponed, which we had not expected. The court is aware that we have refused any settlement. We will continue our efforts until justice is delivered. We will not give in to any pressure. Blood cannot be bartered. Justice may take time, but we will not compromise.”
Abdul Fattah also refuted some claims circulating in Indian media, saying:
“There are reports suggesting that Talal had seized Nimisha’s passport and exploited her — but these are entirely false. Nimisha never made such allegations during any court hearing, and neither did her legal team ever claim this.”
