Sanaa, Yemen: Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen, is in a race against time as her family and international communities, including India and Iran, work to raise funds and explore diplomatic avenues to save her life.
Hailing from Kerala, Priya was sentenced to death in Yemen and remains on death row while her family and supporters strive to gather the substantial funds required for her release. As of December 31, 2024, India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed its ongoing support, acknowledging the family’s relentless efforts to secure her freedom.
The Ministry stated, "We are aware of Ms. Priya's sentencing in Yemen. We understand her family is exploring all possible options for her release, and the government is providing assistance wherever possible."
In 2024, Priya's family, including her mother, husband, and daughter, traveled to Yemen to meet with her in prison. They are also negotiating with the family of her deceased partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in an attempt to explain Priya’s side of the story. The goal is to secure a pardon through a practice known as 'blood money' (diyya), where financial compensation is offered to the victim's family in exchange for forgiveness.
To date, Priya’s supporters have raised US$40,000 and sent part of it to the Indian Embassy in Yemen to initiate talks. However, the total amount needed to obtain a pardon is estimated at US$400,000, a considerable sum that the family is desperately trying to raise. The success of these negotiations will ultimately determine whether Priya lives or dies.
The case has drawn international attention, with Iran offering support on humanitarian grounds. According to reports, an Iranian official has expressed willingness to assist in resolving the matter.
Why is She on Death Row?
Priya’s troubles began in 2017 when she became trapped in an abusive partnership with Mahdi, a Yemeni man with whom she opened a medical clinic. Priya, a nurse, moved to Yemen after marrying Tomy Thomas in 2011. Together, they dreamed of opening a clinic, but Yemeni laws required a local partner to operate a business, which led Priya to enter into a partnership with Mahdi.
However, Mahdi took control of Priya's passport and subjected her to both physical and emotional abuse. Isolated in a foreign country with no way to escape, Priya’s situation grew increasingly dire. Meanwhile, her family in India faced obstacles in traveling to Yemen due to the civil war, and since 2017, the Indian government has banned travel to Yemen, requiring special permission for entry.
In an attempt to escape her abuser, Priya allegedly planned to sedate Mahdi using ketamine in 2017, hoping to retrieve her passport and flee the country. Unfortunately, Mahdi died from an overdose of the drug.
In 2018, Priya stood trial in Yemen, where she faced serious legal issues, including the lack of legal representation and an interpreter. This left her unable to understand the charges or defend herself properly. Despite these flaws in the trial process, she was convicted of murder and sentenced to death.
Priya’s legal team filed multiple appeals, citing violations of due process, but the Yemeni courts upheld the death sentence. In November 2023, her final appeal was rejected, leaving her with few options.
What is Blood Money?
Yemen adheres to Islamic Sharia law, which includes the practice of diyya, or blood money. This system allows the family of a murder victim to forgive the convicted person in exchange for financial compensation. Priya’s supporters are now attempting to raise the required funds to pay the blood money and secure her release.
While the Indian government and Iranian officials have extended support, the challenge remains the large amount of money needed. The ethical and legal complexities surrounding Priya’s case have sparked global debate, as her fate now hinges on whether Mahdi’s family will accept the blood money.
Priya’s case highlights the difficulties faced by foreign nationals working in countries with flawed legal systems and the potential for exploitation. As her family continues their struggle, the world watches closely, hoping that diplomatic efforts and the practice of blood money can offer Priya a second chance at life
