In a dramatic last-minute development, the execution of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen has been put on hold, following extensive diplomatic, religious, and legal interventions.

Priya, convicted of killing her former Yemeni business partner Talal Abdo Mehdi in 2017, was scheduled for execution on Wednesday. However, a fresh order from the Yemeni authorities has deferred the sentence until further notice.

Multiple parties played a role in the breakthrough — including the Indian government, Saudi-based mediators, and Kerala’s Grand Mufti Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, who reached out to influential figures in Yemen’s Shoora Council. The order was signed by the local judge and the prison execution officer.

Diplomatic officials said talks will continue, with focus now shifting to blood money negotiations — a provision under Islamic law that could lead to Priya’s release if the victim’s family agrees.

Priya’s husband Tomy Thomas expressed relief, stating, “We are all happy, but we know the process isn’t over.” Coordinator Sabu M. Jerome thanked the governments of Yemen and India for their roles, clarifying that much of the media speculation was inaccurate.

Priya, who moved to Yemen in 2008, was convicted in 2018 and sentenced to death in 2020. Her case has drawn widespread concern due to the vulnerability of Indian migrant workers abroad.

Kerala Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar, the Ministry of External Affairs, and businessman M.A. Yusuf Ali have all extended support. Priya’s mother, Prema Kumari, has travelled to Yemen as part of the campaign led by the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council.

The court had previously allowed the option of clemency via blood money, now seen as the last hope to save Priya’s life.