Yemeni victim’s kin vow no pardon for Indian nurse Nimisha Priya convicted of murder

The family of Talal Abdo Mahdi, the Yemeni man murdered by Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, has firmly reiterated their demand for her execution, outright rejecting all mediation efforts and offers of diyat (blood money). This comes despite Yemeni authorities having granted a temporary reprieve by postponing her execution.

In a strongly worded Facebook post, the victim’s brother, Abdelfattah Mahdi, declared that their demand for ‘Qisas’ —  retaliation in kind under Sharia law — remains non-negotiable.

He revealed that various attempts at reconciliation had been made over the years, including discreet mediation and pressure from multiple quarters. However, the family has remained resolute in their refusal to accept anything short of the death penalty for Priya.

“We were not surprised by the recent delay in the execution, though we did not expect it. Those who intervened know full well that we reject any form of settlement. Justice, for us, means execution. No amount of pressure or delay will alter that. Blood cannot be bought,” Abdelfattah stated. He added that while the execution had been postponed, the family would persist until justice is served, with God’s help.

Speaking to BBC Arabic on Monday, July 14, Abdelfattah reiterated his family’s unwavering stance. He described the murder as both “horrific and obvious”, criticising the drawn-out legal process as an additional ordeal. The family continues to press for swift justice, declaring that time and negotiation will not change their position.

Dismissing allegations that Talal had physically abused Nimisha or withheld her passport, Abdel Fateh accused Indian media of “distorting the truth” and “portraying a convicted murderer as a victim.” He insisted, “No dispute – however grave – can justify murder, let alone mutilation and concealment of the body.”

He described the relationship between Nimisha and Talal as initially professional and amicable, evolving into a business partnership and eventually a short-lived marriage that lasted around four years. “We suffered not only due to the brutal crime but also from the prolonged and painful litigation process,” he said, reaffirming that the family categorically rejects any blood money offer or negotiated settlement.

The scheduled execution of Nimisha Priya had been temporarily postponed, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Tuesday.

The execution, initially slated for July 16, has been deferred following ongoing diplomatic engagement between Indian officials and Yemeni authorities.

Nimisha, currently imprisoned in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen controlled by Houthi forces, faces the death penalty under Yemeni law. While the postponement offers a brief reprieve, officials caution that it does not equate to a pardon, and her life remains in imminent danger.

Diplomatic and religious efforts continue

According to MEA sources, the execution was deferred following active diplomatic outreach involving Indian authorities, the Yemeni prosecutor’s office, and the prison administration in Sanaa.

Meanwhile, Grand Mufti of India, A.P. Abubakar Musliyar, has reportedly reached out to prominent Yemeni Sheikhs in a bid to mediate with the victim’s family. A meeting involving tribal elders, religious leaders, and some relatives of the deceased is said to be underway to explore any possible reconciliation.

While this diplomatic pause provides a narrow window for negotiation, Nimisha Priya's fate still hangs in the balance, with the victim’s family resolute in their demand for capital punishment.