Kerala Nurse's Death Sentence in Yemen: Family Demands Justice Amid Ongoing Negotiations

Family of Murder Victim Calls for Execution

In New Delhi, Abdelfattah Mehdi, the brother of Talal Abdo Mehdi—who was reportedly killed by Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya in 2017—has made it clear that he believes there should be no mercy for her actions. He insists that Priya must face execution.

Abdelfattah voiced his family's frustration over how the Indian media has been portraying the convicted nurse as a victim, claiming it distorts the reality of the situation.

Nimisha Priya was scheduled for execution on Wednesday; however, after extensive negotiations, her execution has been postponed.

Efforts from various parties, including the Indian government and religious leaders like Grand Mufti Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, who reached out to contacts in Yemen's Shoora Council, contributed to this decision.

On Wednesday morning, M. V. Govindan, the state CPI-M secretary, met with Musliyar to discuss ongoing negotiations.

"Musliyar informed me that the execution has been put on hold, and further discussions are taking place. Talks are ongoing with both the Yemeni authorities and the victim's family regarding a potential pardon," Govindan stated.

The most significant development is that the execution has been deferred until further notice.

The family of the deceased holds the power to grant forgiveness to Nimisha Priya. However, differing opinions within the family have complicated matters, prompting religious leaders and officials to work diligently to find a resolution.

The primary challenge now is to help the family comprehend the gravity of the situation, after which the 'blood money' compensation can be arranged.

Negotiations will soon focus on the 'blood money' that is to be offered.

For context, 'blood money' refers to financial compensation provided to the family of a murder victim in exchange for their forgiveness, a practice recognized under Sharia law.

Billionaire M.A. Yusuf Ali from Kerala has expressed his readiness to provide any necessary financial assistance.

The Indian government's involvement has been crucial, and all eyes are on the ongoing negotiations.

Currently, Priya is imprisoned in Yemen, facing a death sentence for the alleged murder of her former business partner, Mehdi, in 2017.

Since the execution date was announced, politicians from various parties in Kerala have urged the Union government and the President to intervene swiftly.

Priya relocated to Yemen in 2008 to support her family, initially working as a nurse before establishing her clinic.

In 2017, following a conflict with her business partner, she allegedly administered lethal sedatives to him in an attempt to reclaim her confiscated passport. This act ultimately led to his death.

She was apprehended while trying to escape the country and was convicted of murder in 2018.

In 2020, she received a death sentence, which was upheld by Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023, although the court allowed for the possibility of clemency through a blood money agreement.