Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 3: The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has issued a clarification regarding the case of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who is facing the death penalty in the war-torn country of Yemen.

Responding to recent developments, the MEA stated that the case is extremely sensitive and that the Indian government is in constant contact regarding the matter. While the execution has been postponed, it has not been cancelled, the ministry clarified.

Meanwhile, the MEA has rejected a request by the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council to send a five-member delegation to Yemen to negotiate her release.

Citing serious security concerns and the lack of diplomatic relations with the current administration in Yemen, the ministry declined to grant permission for the council’s delegation to travel to Yemen. Although the Supreme Court had allowed the council to represent the case, the MEA said it cannot permit travel under the current circumstances.

Due to the deteriorating security situation, the Indian Embassy in Yemen has been relocated to Riyadh, and there are currently no diplomatic ties with the administration in Sana’a, the ministry noted.

Recent regional developments have further heightened the risks associated with travel to Sana’a. The MEA reiterated that only Nimisha Priya’s family or officially designated representatives are conducting negotiations in the case. The safety and security of Indian citizens remain a top priority, and all possible efforts are being made in connection with the case. However, given the prevailing situation, permission for the delegation’s travel cannot be granted, the statement read.

The Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council had filed a plea in the Supreme Court requesting that the Centre allow a delegation comprising two or three representatives, including religious leaders from Kerala, to travel to Yemen and hold talks with the victim’s family. This was aimed at securing forgiveness under Sharia law.

The MEA also informed that efforts are ongoing to reach a resolution, and friendly foreign governments are being engaged as part of this process.

Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kollengode in Kerala’s Palakkad district, was sentenced to death in Yemen in 2017 for the alleged murder of Yemeni citizen Talal Abdo Mahdi. She has been imprisoned in Sana’a since then. Her execution was earlier scheduled for July 16, but was postponed following intervention by Indian officials.