The execution of Nimisha Priya, a 38-year-old Indian nurse from Kerala sentenced to death in Yemen, has been temporarily postponed, bringing a glimmer of hope to her supporters. Priya remains imprisoned in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital controlled by the Houthi group. Her case has gained international attention, with last-minute negotiations being led by Indian cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar and Sufi scholar Sheikh Habib Umar bin Hafiz, who are engaging with the victim’s family in Dhamar, the hometown of the deceased, Talal Abdo Mahdi.

India’s Attorney General R Venkataramani informed the Supreme Court that the government is making every possible effort to intervene, despite the diplomatic challenges posed by the lack of formal ties with Yemen. He confirmed that India has officially requested a deferral of the execution. Sources say the willingness of the victim’s family to engage in dialogue offers a positive sign, with a senior family member and judiciary official reportedly participating in the discussions following the intervention of religious leaders.

Priya was convicted in 2020 for the 2017 murder of Mahdi, her former business partner, in a case linked to a business dispute. According to Yemeni court records, she allegedly drugged and killed Mahdi, later dismembering and disposing of the body. Supporters claim she suffered prolonged abuse and did not receive a fair trial amid Yemen’s ongoing civil unrest. The "Save Nimisha Priya" campaign continues its efforts to raise ‘blood money’ under Sharia law to secure her release. The Supreme Court of India is expected to review updates on the case on July 18.