Nurse on death row pleads with Indian Government to save her life
Kerala-born nurse Nimisha Priya, who faces imminent execution in Yemen on July 16 for ‘allegedly’ murdering a Yemeni citizen, has issued a heartfelt appeal to the Indian government for urgent intervention.
In a rare public expression of her sentiments, Nimisha conveyed through activists her hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian authorities will step in to save her life before her scheduled execution on July 16, 2025. Babu John, a member of the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, stated that Nimisha remains hopeful that swift action from New Delhi could prevent her death, according to news reports.
Nimisha’s legal team and family have offered $1 million (approximately ₹8.6 crore) as diya (blood money) to the family of the deceased man, Talal Abdo Mehdi. This offer is legally valid under Sharia law in Yemen, which permits either execution (qisas) or forgiveness in exchange for compensation.
While negotiations are ongoing, the Yemeni family has yet to accept or reject the proposal. Samuel Jerome, acting as the power of attorney on behalf of Nimisha’s family, is currently in Sana’a leading the discussions. “We are ready to mobilize the funds immediately if the family agrees,” John said.
Despite extensive legal and diplomatic efforts, all judicial avenues have been exhausted. The Yemeni Supreme Judicial Council upheld her death sentence in November 2023, which was later approved by the country’s president.
Given India’s lack of formal diplomatic relations with the Houthi-led government in Sana’a, direct negotiations have proven challenging. However, activists believe India’s geopolitical influence could still sway the outcome. “If Prime Minister Modi requests it, the Houthi government will listen,” said John.
