Death Sentence of Indian Nurse Nimisha Priya Reportedly Cancelled After Intense Global Mediation

New Delhi: In a dramatic and hopeful turn of events, the death sentence of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who had been on death row in Yemen since 2020, has reportedly been cancelled following days of intense diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian intervention. Evangelist and peace activist Dr. K.A. Paul, speaking from Sanaa in a video message on Tuesday, claimed that the Yemeni authorities have officially withdrawn the death penalty, opening the path for her safe return to India.

Nimisha Priya, a 38-year-old nurse from Kerala’s Palakkad district, had been convicted in 2017 for the murder of a Yemeni national and sentenced to death three years later. Her final appeal was rejected in 2023, and her execution was scheduled for July 16, 2025. However, following persistent efforts by Indian officials, international humanitarian activists, and religious leaders, Yemeni authorities postponed the execution—buying time for negotiations that appear to have succeeded.

Dr. Paul, founder of the Global Peace Initiative, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Yemeni leaders and Indian officials. “This is a historic victory for peace and justice,” he said in his video message. “Yemeni leaders have worked day and night, and I want to thank Prime Minister Modi ji and Indian diplomats who stood ready for her repatriation. By God’s grace, Nimisha will be safely brought back to India.”

He added that logistics for her return are already being considered, possibly via Oman, Iran, Egypt, Jeddah, or Turkiye, in collaboration with the Government of India.

While the Indian government has not yet officially confirmed the cancellation of the sentence, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had previously acknowledged the seriousness of the case. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal last week confirmed that India was in constant touch with Yemeni authorities, had appointed legal counsel, and was working with Priya’s family to find a resolution under Sharia law, which allows clemency through settlement with the victim’s family.

Due to the complex political situation in Yemen—currently controlled in parts by Iran-backed Houthi rebels—diplomatic efforts have been complicated by the absence of formal ties. Still, the Indian government facilitated regular consular access and supported Priya’s family during their visits to Yemen. Her mother, Premakumari, and a prominent Sunni cleric from Kerala also made personal appeals to Yemeni religious authorities.