Nimisha Priya death row: Victim’s family demands immediate execution of Indian nurse in Yemen
Family says “no reconciliation”; urges Yemen to enforce death sentence postponed in July
Abdul Fattah Mahdi, the brother of slain Yemeni businessman Talal Abdo Mahdi, has once again called for the execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, convicted of murdering Talal in 2017.
In a letter dated July 30, Abdul Fattah Mahdi urged Yemen’s Attorney General, Judge Abdul Salam Al-Houthi, to immediately enforce Nimisha Priya’s execution—originally set for July 16, according to media reports.
'No pardon, no negotiation'
The family has categorically rejected all talks of reconciliation or blood money, saying, “We affirm our full adherence to our legitimate right to implement the retaliation sentence.”
The letter criticises Indian media for “misleading” reports suggesting progress in mediation, asserting that “Talal’s blood will not be a commodity in the negotiation bazaar.”
Earlier, on July 25, Abdul Fattah had issued a similar appeal for a new execution date and denied any agreement with Indian religious leaders or officials claiming to mediate.
MEA confirms postponement, not cancellation
India’s MEA confirmed Nimisha Priya’s execution is on hold. Diplomatic efforts, including support from friendly nations, are ongoing, said spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
“This is a sensitive matter,” Jaiswal said during a weekly briefing, urging media and the public to avoid speculative reporting. He clarified that claims of a commuted sentence or pardon are inaccurate.
Who is Nimisha Priya?
Nimisha Priya, a 37-year-old nurse from Palakkad, Kerala, moved to Yemen in 2008 and later opened her own clinic. In 2017, she was arrested after her business partner, Talal, died from an alleged forced sedation attempt to retrieve her passport, which was reportedly withheld without consent. His body was found hidden in a water tank.
Timeline of events in the Nimisha Priya case
2008: Moves to Yemen for work as a nurse.
2014: Her husband and daughter return to India; she stays on.
2017: Arrested for Talal’s death.
2020: Convicted and sentenced to death by a Yemeni court.
2023: Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council rejects her final appeal.
July 16, 2025: Scheduled execution postponed after Indian diplomatic outreach.
July 28, 2025: Indian Grand Mufti Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar claims progress in talks.
July 30, 2025: Victim’s family issues letter rejecting pardon efforts.
Daughter’s emotional plea from Yemen
In a heartfelt video message, Nimisha’s 13-year-old daughter Michelle—who recently travelled to Yemen with her father and activists—appealed for help. “I miss my mother. Please help bring her back,” she said.
India continues to seek a humanitarian resolution
With no diplomatic presence in Yemen, India is working via third-party allies to negotiate a solution. One of the remaining legal paths is diya (blood money), which under Islamic law allows families to pardon a convict in exchange for compensation. However, Talal’s family has firmly refused this option so far.
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