Yemeni victim’s family dismisses mediation claims, says no mercy for Nimisha Priya

In a potential turning point in the Nimisha Priya case, the office of India’s Grand Mufti, Kanthapuram AP Abubacker Musliyar, claimed on Monday, 28 July, that significant progress had been made in efforts to save the Kerala nurse from execution in Yemen.

According to a statement released by the Grand Mufti’s office, key decisions were reached following high-level mediation talks, including a reported agreement to revoke Priya’s death sentence. However, officials clarified that further discussions are still required before a final resolution is reached.

Nimisha Priya has been on death row in Yemen since 2020 after being convicted of murdering Talal Abdo Mahdi, a Yemeni national.

While the latest statement suggests a possible breakthrough, Abdul Fattah Mahdi, the victim’s brother, has strongly rejected the claims.

In a Facebook post, Abdul Fattah denied reports that he had pardoned Priya and questioned the legitimacy of the negotiations. Citing Islamic law, he stated that leniency in murder cases is not permissible, and criticised the mediators for not engaging directly with Talal’s family.

“Which Yemeni organisation did they speak to?” he asked, referring to the Grand Mufti’s representatives. He also shared Malayalam news clippings to reinforce his stance.

The reported progress follows a series of discussions involving a delegation of Yemeni scholars, appointed by Sheikh Umar Hafeez Thangal at the Grand Mufti’s request. These talks were said to include officials from northern Yemen and members of the international diplomatic community.

However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Union government have yet to confirm or comment on the Grand Mufti’s claims.

Adding a deeply personal dimension to the case, Priya’s 13-year-old daughter Michelle arrived in Yemen on Monday, accompanied by her father, Tommy Thomas, and Global Peace Initiative founder Dr KA Paul.

Michelle, who has not seen her mother in a decade, made a heartfelt appeal in both Malayalam and English.

“I love my mother very much. I miss her. Please help bring her back,” she said.

The mediation follows a temporary stay on Priya’s execution earlier this month. Talks are expected to continue as negotiators attempt to secure a formal pardon from the victim’s family.