Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad’s diplomatic outreach opens door to clemency talks
Diplomat Foreign Correspondent
New Delhi, (DD) Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, the Grand Mufti of India, has announced a significant breakthrough in the case of Nimisha Priya, a Malayali nurse facing a death sentence in Yemen. The execution, which was scheduled for 16 July, has been officially postponed following his intervention through high-level religious and legal channels in North Yemen.
The Grand Mufti revealed that Puthuppally MLA Mr Chandy Oommen had approached him last Friday, seeking his assistance based on his longstanding ties with prominent Sufi scholars in Yemen. “It is our national responsibility to pursue a humane resolution when an Indian citizen faces execution abroad,” the Grand Mufti stated, highlighting India’s past diplomatic successes in securing reprieves for its nationals in Gulf countries.
Acting swiftly, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad reached out to his close associate, globally renowned Yemeni Sufi scholar Habib Umar bin Hafeez, who immediately initiated efforts to engage the Yemeni authorities. Habib Umar’s office contacted both the North Yemeni government and the family of the deceased Yemeni national, Talal, and began consultations with judges and legal experts to delay the execution.
A pivotal emergency meeting was convened in North Yemen, attended by representatives of Habib Umar, Yemeni government officials, the Supreme Judge of the Criminal Court in Sanaa, tribal leaders, and Talal’s brother. During the meeting, the victim’s family agreed to further internal consultations before confirming their position.
Further discussions took place earlier today in Dhamar, where Talal’s family resides. The delegation, led by Habib Abdurrahman Mashhoor, remains on the ground to continue mediation efforts aimed at unifying the family’s stance.
A key development was the involvement of Justice Mohammed bin Ameen — a senior judge, member of the Yemeni Shura Council, and a relative of the deceased — who, upon the suggestion of Sheikh Habib Umar, facilitated negotiations for a legal stay of execution. As a result, the matter was formally submitted to the Special Criminal Court, which has now ruled to postpone the execution.
“This case has been highly sensitive and emotionally charged within North Yemen’s tribal communities,” the Grand Mufti said. “Until now, even establishing communication with the victim’s family had been impossible. The fact that dialogue has now begun, and that influential figures have stepped in, gives us real hope.”
The official judgment, signed by Judge Rizwan Ahmed Al-Wajri and Swari Mudeen Mufaddal, confirms the deferment of the execution date. The Grand Mufti has communicated this progress to the office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called for continued efforts to secure clemency for Nimisha Priya.
“What has been achieved so far is the result of collective efforts, tireless attempts, and sincere prayers,” he added.(DD)
