Nimisha Priya: Urgent Appeal for the Indian Nurse on Death Row in Yemen
Background of the Case
Nimisha Priya, a 38-year-old nurse from Kerala, India, faces execution in Yemen on July 16, after being convicted for the murder of her Yemeni business partner. The incident that led to her conviction took place in 2017, and a final appeal against her conviction was denied in 2022. Currently, Priya is imprisoned in Sana’a, the capital of Yemen.
Call for Intervention
Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has publicly urged Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene in this urgent matter. Mufti stated on social media, “Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse, is facing execution in Yemen on 16th July. She was allegedly subjected to severe abuse, and in an attempt to defend herself, a man died. Nimisha now faces the death penalty.”
Legal Considerations
Under Yemeni law, clemency can only be granted if blood money is paid to the victim’s family, a route that Priya’s family is actively pursuing. Mufti highlighted the challenges faced in securing the necessary funds and diplomatic efforts to execute this appeal. In her post, she requested, “Unfortunately till now the required funds and diplomatic pressure are both inadequate. Urgently appeal to everyone, especially women, to donate generously.”
Public Appeal
Alongside her call for government intervention, Mufti has reached out to the public, particularly women, to contribute to raising the blood money necessary to prevent Priya’s execution. The situation has raised broader questions about the fairness of the legal system in Yemen.
