Nimisha Priya case: Evangelist KA Paul claims Yemen has cancelled death sentence

Sanaa (Yemen): Evangelist and Founder of the Global Peace Initiative, Dr K A Paul, on Tuesday night (local time), claimed in a video message from Sanaa, Yemen, that the death sentence of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya has been cancelled following days and nights of extensive efforts by both Yemeni and Indian leaders.

In his video message, Dr. K A Paul expressed his gratitude to the Yemeni leadership for their "powerful and prayerful efforts."

Highlighting the relentless commitment over the past ten days, Dr. Paul stated, "I want to thank all the leaders that is involved to make this a great success. Nimisha Priya's death has been cancelled. By God's grace, she will be released and taken to India. I want to thank Prime Minister Modi ji for preparing to send your diplomats... and take Nimisha professionally, safely."

He added that logistical arrangements can be made, in coordination with the Government of India, for her safe repatriation from Sanaa prison to destinations such as Oman, Jeddah, Egypt, Iran or Turkey.

Last week, during its regular press briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) outlined the actions being undertaken by the Government of India to support Nimisha Priya.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed that the Ministry had appointed legal counsel to aid Priya’s family in navigating the complex legal procedures in Yemen. This includes exploring avenues for clemency or pardon under Sharia law.

"This is a very sensitive matter, and the Government of India has been offering all possible assistance in the case. We have provided legal assistance and also appointed a lawyer to assist the family. We have also arranged for regular consular visits by her family, and we are in touch with the local authorities, as well as the family members, to resolve this issue. This included concerted efforts in the recent few days to seek more time for the family of Ms Nimisha Priya to reach a mutually agreeable solution with the other party. The local authorities in Yemen have postponed the carrying out of her sentence that was scheduled for July 16," said Jaiswal.

The Indian Government has ensured regular consular visits to monitor Priya’s well-being and offer necessary support during this difficult period.

These remarks followed a statement from Grand Mufti Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad Kanthapuram on Tuesday, in which he said that he had spoken to religious scholars in Yemen to advocate for the release of 37-year-old Nimisha Priya, who had been convicted of murder and sentenced to death. According to the Grand Mufti, after his discussions, news emerged of the execution being postponed, suggesting that religious outreach might have played a role alongside official diplomatic efforts.

"In Islam, instead of killing, there is also a practice of giving Diya (compensation). I requested them to accept Diyaat as the party is ready here for it. There are talks going on about whether my request has to be accepted. The date of execution was tomorrow, but it has now been postponed for some days," the Grand Mufti told ANI.

He further clarified that his appeal was not based on religion but on humanitarian grounds, stating that his request for her release was made out of compassion.

The Grand Mufti’s comments came after sources informed ANI that the postponement of the execution was the result of the "concerted efforts" of the Indian Government. Originally, the execution was scheduled for 16 July, and the delay has now opened up an opportunity for further negotiations.

Nimisha Priya, a 37-year-old nurse from Kerala, was due to be executed following her conviction by a Yemeni trial court for the murder of a local national. The sentence was upheld by Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023.

Last week, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed relief and hope over the deferment of the execution. He acknowledged the relentless efforts and intervention of Kanthapuram A P Abubacker Musliyar and other supporters, including the Action Council, who have been working tirelessly to secure justice for her.