Major relief in Nimisha Priya case: Last-minute negotiations postpone Kerala nurse’s execution in Yemen

It was a tense and emotional race against time. Just one day before Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya was supposed to be executed in Yemen, long and careful discussions finally brought a ray of hope as her execution has now been put on hold. This relief came after several people and organizations worked together. The Indian government, some Saudi-based groups, and even the Grand Mufti of Kerala, Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, helped in the talks. He even contacted a friend in Yemen’s Shoora Council to request support.

Finally, late on Tuesday, an official order was issued by the Yemeni court and prison authorities, saying the execution would be delayed until further notice.

Indian diplomats who were part of the talks said that India has done everything possible to get this temporary relief, and negotiations will now move to the next stage, discussing blood money (a compensation paid to the victim’s family under Yemeni law).

Nimisha’s husband, Tomy Thomas, shared his happiness but added that more efforts are still needed. Sabu M. Jerome, who helped coordinate the peace talks, thanked the governments of Yemen, India, and all others who helped.

He also said that many things being reported in the media are not true and strongly praised the huge role played by the Indian government in getting this stay order.

Why is Nimisha Priya facing death penalty?

Priya is currently in a Yemeni prison facing the death penalty for allegedly killing her former business partner, Talal Abdo Mehdi, back in 2017.

Her situation became very serious when her execution was scheduled for Wednesday. However, a wave of support and last-minute efforts has given her a chance at life.

Talks are underway involving Yemen’s Chief Justice, a senior religious leader from the Shoora Council, and members of Mehdi’s family. The main goal of the talks is to convince the family to accept “blood money,” a legal provision under Islamic law where the victim’s family can choose to forgive in exchange for compensation. This could delay or cancel the execution.

In her hometown in Palakkad, Kerala, local leaders and community members are staying hopeful as discussions continue. Support has also come from high places:

• Kerala Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar spoke to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
• Kerala’s Grand Mufti, Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, reached out to contacts in Yemen to help mediate.
• Prominent businessman M.A. Yusuf Ali has offered to provide financial help if needed.
• Politicians from all parties in Kerala have requested the President of India and the Union government to act urgently.

Nimisha Priya’s Story: A Life Hanging in the Balance

Nimisha Priya moved to Yemen in 2008 to earn a living and support her family. She started by working in hospitals and later opened her own clinic.

But things took a tragic turn in 2017 after a serious dispute with her business partner, Talal Abdo Mehdi. In an attempt to get back her confiscated passport, Priya allegedly gave him sedatives. Unfortunately, the sedatives caused his death.

She was caught while trying to leave Yemen and was arrested. In 2018, she was convicted of murder, and in 2020, she was given the death sentence. Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council confirmed this sentence in November 2023.

However, the court has left a window open: under Islamic law, if the victim’s family agrees, they can accept “blood money” instead of demanding execution.

Nimisha’s case has attracted both national and international attention, raising concerns about the safety of Indian workers in war-affected countries. Her mother, Prema Kumari, has been a strong voice in this fight. She even travelling to Yemen to try and speak directly with the victim’s family.

She’s not alone. A group of NRI activists and social workers, called the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, is actively working to help her get justice and bring her back home safely.

(With IANS inpus)

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