Nimisha Priya’s case ‘sensitive, complex’: MEA denies death sentence revoked

Dubai: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday confirmed that Indian nurse Nimisha Priya’s execution in Yemen has been postponed, following sustained diplomatic interventions.

The ministry urged the public and media to refrain from speculative or unverified reporting on the sensitive case.

“This is a sensitive matter. The Government of India has been extending all possible assistance. As a result of our efforts, the sentencing has been deferred,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during the weekly press briefing.

He added that India is working closely with local authorities and “some friendly governments” to find a favourable resolution. “Please refrain from believing unverified media reports. Wait for an update from us,” Jaiswal said.

Clarifying recent speculation, the MEA spokesperson stated that claims suggesting Nimisha Priya’s death sentence has been fully overturned are incorrect.

“We are in touch with relevant parties, but reports of major developments are inaccurate. The sentencing has been postponed, not cancelled,” Jaiswal reiterated.

Nimisha Priya, a 37-year-old nurse from Kerala, moved to Yemen in 2008 and eventually opened her own clinic. In 2017, she was arrested for the murder of her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi. According to reports, she allegedly attempted to sedate him to retrieve her passport—reportedly held without consent—but the sedative turned fatal.

She was convicted in 2018, sentenced to death in 2020, and her appeal was dismissed by Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023.

The MEA’s latest statement comes days after 13-year-old Mishel, Nimisha’s daughter, travelled to Yemen to appeal for her mother’s life. Mishel, who had not seen her mother in over a decade, was accompanied by her father, Tomy Thomas, and Dr KA Paul, founder of the Global Peace Initiative.

In an emotional video message, Mishel pleaded, “I love you, mummy. Please help bring my mother back home. I miss you so much.”

Tomy also made a public appeal from Yemen: “Please save my wife, Nimisha Priya, and help her return home.”

Jaiswal confirmed that the Indian government has appointed a legal team to support the family in navigating Yemen’s complex legal system, which includes elements of Sharia law.

“The Government of India has been providing full legal and consular support, including helping the family explore options for a mutually agreeable resolution with the victim’s family,” he said.

India has also facilitated visa support, regular consular visits, and continues to coordinate with Yemeni authorities and international partners to seek clemency.

With inputs from IANS

Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala, relocated to Yemen in 2008 for work. Her husband and daughter returned to India in 2014, while she stayed back to run a clinic.

She was arrested in 2017 for the alleged murder of her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi. Reports say she tried to sedate him to retrieve her passport—allegedly withheld without consent—which resulted in his death.

Priya was convicted and sentenced to death in 2020. The verdict was upheld by Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council in 2023.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that her execution, initially set for July 16, was temporarily stayed after diplomatic engagement.

The office of India’s Grand Mufti Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar claimed high-level talks had led to “significant progress,” including a possible revocation of the death sentence. However, it stressed that more discussions were pending.

In a Facebook post, Abdul Fattah Mahdi, Talal’s brother, dismissed all pardon claims. He said no negotiations took place with the family and cited Islamic law against granting mercy in murder cases. He also questioned the legitimacy of the mediators.

India, which has no diplomatic presence in Yemen, continues to work with friendly nations to reach a mutually agreeable solution, including the possibility of diya (blood money).

Nimisha’s 13-year-old daughter, Michelle, travelled to Yemen with her father and activists to plead for clemency. In a video message, she said, “I miss my mother. Please help bring her back.”