Evangelist and Global Peace Initiative founder Dr KA Paul shared a video message from Sanaa, Yemen, on Tuesday night claiming that the death sentence of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya has been cancelled. He said this happened after continuous efforts from both Yemeni and Indian leaders over the past several days.

In the video, Dr Paul thanked Yemeni leaders for their strong support and prayers. He said, “I want to thank all the leaders involved in making this possible. Nimisha Priya's death sentence has been cancelled. By God’s grace, she will soon be released and sent back to India. I also thank Prime Minister Modi for getting ready to send diplomats to bring her back safely.”

Dr Paul added that they are ready to work with the Indian government to arrange her travel from Sanaa prison to nearby countries like Oman, Jeddah, Egypt, Iran, or Turkey for her safe return to India. Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared what steps the Indian government is taking to help Nimisha Priya, the Indian nurse facing the death penalty in Yemen.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Indian government has hired a lawyer to help Nimisha’s family deal with the legal process in Yemen. They are also looking at ways to get her a pardon under Sharia law. “This is a very sensitive case, and the government is doing everything possible to help,” said Jaiswal. “We have given legal support, appointed a lawyer, and arranged regular consular visits for her family. We are in touch with local authorities and trying to find a solution that both sides agree to.” He also mentioned that Yemeni officials have postponed the execution that was earlier set for July 16, giving more time for discussions.

The MEA’s update came after Grand Mufti Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad Kanthapuram said he had spoken to religious leaders in Yemen, asking them to consider saving Nimisha's life. He said Islam allows for Diya (compensation money) instead of execution in some cases. The Mufti said he appealed to them based on humanity, not religion, and this emotional request may have helped delay the execution.

Sources had earlier said the execution was delayed due to India’s strong efforts. Nimisha, a 37-year-old nurse from Kerala, was sentenced to death for allegedly killing a Yemeni citizen. Her sentence was confirmed by Yemen’s top court in November 2023. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also said he was hopeful after hearing about the delay. He thanked Kanthapuram AP Abubacker Musliyar and the Action Council for their hard work and efforts to save Nimisha’s life.