• Source:JND
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Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse from Kerala, is set to be executed in Yemen on July 16 after being convicted of murdering a Yemeni national. The death sentence was approved by the President of Yemen last year, and now, with the date confirmed, her family and supporters are desperately seeking intervention to save her life.

Nimisha, who moved to Yemen in 2008 to support her family, initially worked at several hospitals before opening her own clinic. To do so, she partnered with a Yemeni man, Talal Abdo Mahdi, as required by local law. The professional relationship soured, leading to a series of disputes.

In 2016, Nimisha filed a complaint against Mahdi, resulting in his arrest. However, he was later released and allegedly continued to harass and threaten her. According to her family, Nimisha attempted to retrieve her confiscated passport by sedating Mahdi. Tragically, he died due to an overdose. Nimisha was arrested while trying to leave Yemen and was convicted of murder in 2018.

The Yemeni Supreme Judicial Council upheld her death sentence in November 2023. Under Yemeni law, capital punishment can be imposed for a wide range of offences, including murder, drug trafficking, and even consensual same-sex relationships, apostasy, and adultery.

The Blood Money Option

Yemeni law allows for “Blood Money” financial compensation offered to the victim’s family which could potentially save Nimisha's life if accepted. However, the amount is determined solely by the victim's family, making the negotiations delicate and unpredictable.

Subhash Chandran, a lawyer associated with the forum fighting for Nimisha’s release, shared that her mother who works as a domestic help in Kochi sold her house to fund the legal battle. The effort to negotiate blood money faced a major setback in September 2024 when the Indian Embassy’s appointed lawyer, Abdullah Ameer, demanded a pre-negotiation fee of $20,000 (around Rs 16.6 lakh).

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The Ministry of External Affairs had released $19,871 for Ameer's services in July 2024, but he refused to proceed unless the total fee of $40,000 was paid in two instalments. While the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council managed to raise the first instalment through crowdfunding, concerns later emerged about the lack of transparency in fund usage, hampering further efforts.

Family’s Final Appeal As Execution Nears

Despite assurances from the Indian government that it is “closely tracking the case and extending every possible help,” Nimisha’s family says time is slipping away. Her mother has issued a heartfelt final appeal to the authorities and public.

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“I am deeply grateful to the Indian and Kerala governments, as well as the committee formed to save her, for all the support provided so far. But this is my final plea -- please help us save her life. Time is running out,” she said.