New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has denied the claim made by Kanthapuram A. P. Aboobakr Musliyar that the death sentence of Malayali nurse Nimisha Priya has been cancelled. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal denied any progress in the matter during the weekly briefing. He reiterated that this is a sensitive matter and the government has been extending all possible assistance in the case, .

"As a result of our concerted efforts, the sentencing has been postponed. We continue to follow the matter closely and provide all possible assistance. We are also in touch with some friendly governments on the issue... Reports claiming that there have been certain developments are incorrect. Please wait for an update from us. We urge all sides to stay away from misinformation," he said. 

The office of the Indian Grand Mufti, Kanthapuram AP Aboobakr Musliyar, had earlier announced that the death sentence had been revoked following a high-level meeting in Sanaa.

The execution of Nimisha Priya, a 37-year-old nurse from Kerala convicted of murdering her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2017, was postponed from its original date of 16 July following diplomatic efforts by the Indian government. She was sentenced to death in 2020, with the verdict upheld by Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023.

On 17 July, Jaiswal confirmed that India had appointed legal representation to assist Priya’s family in navigating Yemen’s Sharia-based legal system. The government has also facilitated regular consular access and continues to engage with Yemeni authorities and other nations to pursue a resolution.

India is providing all possible legal and consular support, including seeking additional time for the family to negotiate a settlement with the victim’s relatives.

Priya’s family, supported by civil society groups, is actively seeking clemency through both legal and diplomatic channels. 

(with ANI inputs)