Sana’a: Yemeni President Rashad Al-Alimi has reportedly approved the execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who is on death row for the murder of Yemeni citizen Talal Abdul Mehdi. The execution is anticipated within a month, following the failure of negotiations for a pardon from the victim’s family and tribal leaders under Yemen’s Sharia law.
Background and Legal Struggles
In November, Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council dismissed Nimisha’s appeal, paving the way for her execution. Under Yemeni law, a pardon from the victim’s family is her only remaining avenue to escape the death penalty. Nimisha’s mother, Prema Kumari, who has been in Sana’a for the past five months, has expressed her willingness to plead for forgiveness personally. However, logistical and legal challenges have hindered these efforts.
The Indian government’s 2017 ban on travel to Yemen complicates the situation. While the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council filed a petition in the Delhi High Court to permit her mother and 11-year-old daughter Mishal to travel to Sana’a, the request was rejected due to concerns over safety and the absence of a diplomatic presence in Yemen.
Negotiations for Blood Money
Negotiations with the victim’s family require a payment of $40,000 in two installments, a significant financial burden for Nimisha’s family and supporters. The first installment of $19,871 was paid by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in July, but the second installment of $20,000 remains outstanding, stalling further discussions.
Advocate Subhash Chandran, a key figure in the campaign for Nimisha’s release, stated that the execution news remains unverified through official channels. He emphasized that every effort is being made to raise the required funds and seek forgiveness.
Nimisha’s Journey: From Hope to Despair
Nimisha’s story is one of resilience and misfortune. Raised in poverty, she pursued a nursing diploma with the support of her local church. In 2011, she married Tomy Thomas, and the couple moved to Yemen to start a new life. Their aspirations suffered a setback when the Yemeni civil war broke out in 2015.
Nimisha established a clinic in Yemen with her savings and borrowed funds. However, Yemeni law required her to partner with a local, leading her to associate with Talal Abdul Mehdi. Their partnership soured, culminating in an altercation in which Mehdi lost his life, reportedly under disputed circumstances.
Her husband and daughter returned to India before the civil war escalated, leaving Nimisha to navigate the complexities of running the clinic in a conflict-ridden country.
Community and Advocacy Efforts
Social activists and advocacy groups, including the Save Nimisha Priya Council, have been instrumental in raising awareness and funds for her case. Samuel Jerome, an expatriate coordinating efforts in Yemen, has provided support to Nimisha’s mother during her stay in Sana’a.
Babu John, a member of the council, described the situation as “unfortunate,” noting that Nimisha was stranded in Yemen due to her financial investments and the outbreak of war.
A Race Against Time
As each day passes, the urgency to secure a resolution intensifies. Nimisha’s mother remains determined to plead for her daughter’s life, despite the logistical and political challenges.
“I don’t want my daughter to die in a foreign land,” Prema Kumari said tearfully, underscoring the emotional and human dimensions of the case.
With no diplomatic representation in Yemen and escalating geopolitical tensions, Nimisha’s fate hangs precariously in the balance. Advocacy groups and her family continue to appeal for international support and intervention to save her life.
.png)
The opinions posted here do not belong to 🔰www.indiansdaily.com. The author is solely responsible for the opinions.
As per the IT policy of the Central Government, insults against an individual, community, religion or country, defamatory and inflammatory remarks, obscene and vulgar language are punishable offenses. Legal action will be taken for such expressions of opinion.