Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala, has been on death row in Yemen since 2018 after being convicted of murdering a Yemeni citizen in 2017. Yemen’s President Rashad al-Alimi has recently approved her death sentence, with reports indicating that the execution may occur within a month.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern over this development. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We are aware of the sentencing of Nimisha Priya in Yemen. We understand that the family of Priya is exploring relevant options. The government is extending all possible help in the matter.”
Background of the Case
Nimisha Priya, originally from Kollengode in Kerala’s Palakkad district, moved to Yemen in 2008 to work as a nurse. In 2014, she partnered with Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi to establish a clinic, as Yemeni law requires foreign nationals to have local partners for business ventures. Their relationship deteriorated over time, with Priya alleging that Mahdi harassed her, confiscated her passport, and falsely claimed to be her husband.
In July 2017, in an attempt to retrieve her passport, Priya administered a sedative to Mahdi, intending to incapacitate him temporarily. Tragically, the sedative overdose led to his death. Subsequently, Priya and an accomplice disposed of Mahdi’s body. She was arrested in August 2017 and, in 2018, was sentenced to death by a Yemeni court.
Efforts to Secure Clemency
Priya’s family, notably her mother Prema Kumari, has been actively seeking clemency. They have been negotiating with Mahdi’s family to pay ‘blood money’ (diya), a provision in Islamic law that allows for a death sentence to be commuted if the victim’s family accepts compensation. However, these negotiations have faced challenges, including disputes over legal fees and transparency issues.
Current Status
With the Yemeni President’s approval of the death sentence, the situation has become increasingly urgent. The Indian government continues to provide support, exploring all possible avenues to prevent the execution. Priya’s family and supporters are intensifying their efforts to negotiate with the victim’s family and tribal leaders, hoping to secure a pardon before the execution is carried out.
The case has garnered significant attention, highlighting the complexities of international legal systems and the challenges faced by individuals working abroad.
