Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Yemen’s President Rashad al-Alimi has sanctioned the execution of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death for the 2017 murder of Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi. According to reports, the sentence could be carried out within a month, triggering a wave of appeals and efforts to save her.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acknowledged the development on Tuesday, stating, “We are aware of the sentencing of Nimisha Priya in Yemen. The government is extending all possible assistance to her family, who are exploring relevant options,” said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Family’s Struggle to Save Nimisha Priya
Nimisha’s family has been striving to secure her release since her initial trial. Her mother, Prema Kumari, has been in Yemen for months, attempting to negotiate “blood money” with the victim’s family, a practice under Yemeni law that could grant her forgiveness. However, negotiations have stalled due to legal and financial hurdles, including a $40,000 fee demanded by the lawyer representing Priya.
The Case Against Nimisha Priya
Nimisha Priya, a native of Palakkad, Kerala, was found guilty of killing Mahdi after a series of disputes. According to her appeal, Mahdi had allegedly harassed, manipulated, and physically tortured her, even confiscating her passport. She claimed the killing was unintentional, occurring during an attempt to sedate Mahdi to retrieve her passport.
Legal and Diplomatic Hurdles
The Yemeni trial court sentenced Priya to death in 2018, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court in 2023. With the President rejecting her appeal, her last hope lies in obtaining forgiveness from the victim’s family through negotiation.
Support and Challenges
The Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council has raised funds to assist her case, but transparency issues have hampered their efforts. Meanwhile, the Indian government has pledged continued support in her fight for justice.
About Nimisha Priya
Nimisha Priya worked as a nurse in Yemen and had established a clinic in Sana’a with Mahdi’s assistance. However, their partnership soured, leading to disputes over finances and ownership. Her legal plea alleges years of harassment, fraud, and abuse at the hands of Mahdi.
