Indian Nurse Faces Death Penalty in Yemen: A Complex Legal Battle

Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala, is facing execution in Yemen after being convicted of murder. Her case has sparked diplomatic efforts from the Indian government, but time is running out as she exhausts her legal options. The complexities of her situation, including allegations of abuse and the challenges posed by local authorities, highlight the difficulties in securing her release. With her last hope resting on the acceptance of 'Diya' by the victim's family, the outcome remains uncertain. This article delves into the details of her case and the ongoing efforts to prevent her execution.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 9, 2025, 21:31 IST

Nimisha Priya's Imminent Execution

Nimisha Priya, a nurse hailing from Palakkad district in Kerala, is scheduled to be executed on July 16 in Sanaa, Yemen's capital. She was found guilty of murdering a Yemeni national in 2017. The case has been mired in intricate diplomatic and legal challenges since its inception. Despite ongoing efforts by the Indian government, tangible progress has yet to be made.

Legal Options Dwindling

Nimisha is running out of legal avenues. In 2020, a Yemeni lower court sentenced her to death, a ruling that was reaffirmed by the Supreme Judicial Council of Yemen in November 2023. Her final chance for clemency lies in the concept of 'Diya' (blood money), but time is running short.

Background on Nimisha Priya

At 37 years old, Nimisha Priya has deep ties to Kerala's Palakkad district. She moved to Yemen in 2008 with her husband and daughter to support her family financially. While her family returned to India in 2014, Nimisha remained to fulfill her financial obligations. After working in various hospitals, she opened her own clinic in 2014, partnering with a local Yemeni citizen, Talal Abdo Mahdi, as required by local regulations.

Details of the Case

Nimisha is accused of murdering her business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi. Following their partnership in a clinic established in 2016, she claimed that Talal forged a marriage certificate and subjected her to mental and sexual abuse, even seizing her passport. In an attempt to escape back to India in 2017, she administered sedatives to Talal, which led to his accidental overdose. Subsequently, with assistance from a local woman, Hanan, she disposed of his body. In 2018, she was convicted, and her death sentence was confirmed by Yemen's Supreme Judicial Body and President Rashad al-Alimi in November 2023. Although Yemeni law permits forgiveness through 'Diya', attempts to negotiate with Talal's family for a settlement failed in September 2024.

Indian Government's Involvement

The Indian government is actively seeking to prevent Nimisha's execution. Officials have been closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with Yemeni authorities and Nimisha's family. However, the primary obstacle is the region's control by Houthi rebels, with whom India lacks formal diplomatic relations, complicating negotiations. Nimisha's mother, Premkumari, traveled to Yemen in 2024 in hopes of securing her daughter's release. Efforts to reach a compromise through 'Diya' have also been hindered by local negotiation complexities. Currently, Nimisha's fate hangs in the balance, relying on the victim's family's acceptance of 'Diya', the only legal means to avert the death penalty under Yemeni law.