Family of Yemeni man murdered by Indian nurse demands execution, rejects all mediation

The family of Talal Abdo Mahdi, the Yemeni man killed by Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, has firmly reiterated its unwavering demand for her execution, rejecting all attempts at mediation and offers of diyat (blood money), despite a temporary stay of execution granted by Yemeni authorities.

In a strongly worded statement posted on Facebook, the victim’s brother, Abdelfattah Mahdi, emphasized the family’s insistence on Qisas — the principle of retributive justice under Sharia law — saying it is “non-negotiable.”

Abdelfattah revealed that various efforts had been made over the years to mediate or settle the matter, including discreet interventions and pressure from multiple parties. However, the family has categorically refused all reconciliation attempts, stating that “blood cannot be bought.”

“We were not surprised by the delay in execution, but it changes nothing. Justice, for us, means execution,” he said, adding that the family would continue to pursue justice with God’s help.

Speaking to BBC Arabic on July 14, Abdelfattah described the murder as “horrific and undeniable,” criticizing the prolonged legal proceedings as an additional form of suffering for the family.

He also pushed back against allegations made in some Indian media outlets suggesting that Talal abused Nimisha or withheld her passport, calling such narratives distortions of the truth intended to portray a convicted murderer as a victim.

Abdelfattah explained that the relationship between Nimisha and Talal began professionally, later turning into a business partnership and eventually a brief marriage that lasted around four years. He stressed that regardless of the circumstances, “no dispute — however serious — justifies murder, mutilation, and concealment of a body.”