New Delhi: The Indian government’s efforts to save Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala who faces execution in Yemen, have hit a major roadblock. The victim’s family has refused to accept “blood money” — a traditional form of compensation — and has declined to forgive her.
The government had tried all possible diplomatic and private channels to delay the execution, but the Yemeni authorities have not agreed to put it on hold. The Supreme Court has now postponed the case until July 18, when it will check if there are any new developments.
Who is Nimisha Priya?
Nimisha Priya, a 38-year-old nurse from Kerala’s Palakkad, was found guilty in 2020 of murdering her business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, a Yemeni national. She was subsequently sentenced to death by a Yemeni court.
What is being done to help her?
Dinesh Nair, a Core Committee Member of the Nimisha Priya International Action Council, said that they are working very hard to get her a pardon.
“We have been in touch with the victim’s family and have arranged a sizeable amount of blood money in an effort to secure a pardon. However, the victim’s family has refused to engage on this front, calling it a matter of honour,” Nair said.
He added: “We will not give up hope and will continue to work towards securing a pardon for Nimisha Priya.”
Family’s continued fight
Nimisha Priya’s mother, Prema Kumari, has been staying in Sanaa, Yemen, for the past year. She is trying to get legal help and convince the victim’s family to forgive her daughter.
The Ministry of External Affairs has said it will provide all possible support to Nimisha Priya and her family during this time.
The case has received attention from people across India. Many are asking the Indian government to do more to bring Nimisha Priya home safely.
The Supreme Court’s next hearing on July 18 will be crucial in deciding what happens next.