Kunhammed Koorachund, Treasurer of the Save Nimisha Priya Action Council, told South First that a key issue is the Centre and the MEA relying solely on updates from Samuel Jerome, a lawyer, and two Yemeni nationals who were initially tasked with efforts to save Nimisha Priya from the death penalty.
Published Aug 01, 2025 | 11:02 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 01, 2025 | 11:02 PM
visited Markaz, the office of Kanthapuram, for further discussions today.
Synopsis: The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday refuted Grand Mufti Kanthapuram AP Abubackar Musliyar’s claim that the death sentence of Malayali nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen had been revoked. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that while the execution had been postponed, no official update had been received regarding a cancellation of the sentence.
The Ministry of External Affairs has refuted the claim made by Grand Mufti Kanthapuram AP Abubackar Musliyar that the death sentence of Malayali nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen has been cancelled.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a press briefing on Friday, 1 August, clarified that there has been no official update on any such development and urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation.
Earlier, the Grand Mufti’s office had claimed that Nimisha’s death sentence was revoked following a high-level meeting in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen.
“This is a sensitive issue. As a result of our sustained efforts, the execution has been postponed, but reports suggesting that the sentence has been revoked are incorrect,” Jaiswal stated.
He added that the Indian government continues to monitor the case closely, is providing all necessary support, and is also in contact with certain friendly governments regarding the matter.
Kunhammed Koorachund, Treasurer of the Save Nimisha Priya Action Council, told South First that a key issue is the Centre and the MEA relying solely on updates from Samuel Jerome, a lawyer, and two Yemeni nationals who were initially tasked with efforts to save Nimisha Priya from the death penalty.
“Later, internal disagreements led to a split between the Action Council and Samuel Jerome. He is no longer associated with the council due to financial disputes,” Koorachund said.
“Dr KA Paul is also involved, but we’re uncertain about his credibility.”
According to Koorachund, these individuals are unaware of the exact channel through which Kanthapuram AP Abubackar Musliyar is working to help Nimisha.
“We received assurance from Kanthapuram’s office, and we believe we’re 80 percent successful in our mission. The documentation process is the only part still pending,” he said.
Koorachund further said that he and fellow Action Council member Sajeev Kumar K visited Markaz, the office of Kanthapuram, for further discussions today. There, they met Javad Mustafafi and Hameed Abubackar, Kanthapuram’s grandson.
“The mission is ongoing, and opposition from Talal’s elder brother no longer matters,” he said.
Citing Yemeni law, he clarified that only the deceased’s immediate legal heirs – children and parents – hold the authority to make decisions in such cases. A sibling, like the elder brother, can only intervene if those primary heirs are no longer alive.
“Since the immediate family is alive, their decision is legally binding,” Koorachund said.
Evangelist KA Paul has released a heartfelt video appeal urging Abdul Fattah, the brother of Talal Abdo Mahdi, to forgive Nimisha Priya.
The video, posted on X, features Paul alongside Nimisha’s daughter Michelle, and comes weeks after her scheduled execution on 16 July was delayed following Indian diplomatic efforts.
Nimisha Priya’s daughter heart wrenching plea to Abdul Fateh to pardon her mother . Dr K A Paul offered sincere apology and full support pic.twitter.com/8rwbZUipQA
— Dr KA Paul (@KAPaulOfficial) July 31, 2025
Nimisha, convicted in 2020 for the murder of her Yemeni business partner, is currently imprisoned in Sanaa, under Houthi control.
In the video, Paul appeals directly to Fattah, saying, “If you forgive Nimisha, God will bless you and your family.” He also expressed regret for any misinformation in the media and highlighted outreach efforts through Yemeni tribal and political leaders.
Paul went a step further by offering to sponsor Fattah and his family to visit the US and pledged to meet any conditions necessary for clemency.
The most emotional moment came when Michelle said, “Abdul Fattah, I am sorry. Mummy, I miss you. I love you, Mummy.”
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
