New Delhi, India — Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who has been condemned to death in Yemen for the 2017 murder of Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi, might still have a chance to save her life through the payment of blood money if the victim’s family agrees to pardon her. This possibility remains under the workings of Yemen’s Sharia law, according to Subhas Chandran, the lawyer representing Priya’s family.
Yemen’s President Rashad al-Alimi recently ratified Priya’s death sentence, setting the stage for her execution, which could occur within a month. Priya’s legal journey began after she was accused and subsequently found guilty of the murder of Mahdi, a man she had previously sought professional help from in her medical business endeavours.
Under the stipulations of Sharia law, which governs Yemen, there is provision for reversing a death sentence if the victim’s family accepts “diya” or blood money in exchange for pardoning the accused. “We’ve consulted with legal experts in Yemen and understand that while the presidential assent following the Supreme Judicial Council’s order is a formal process, the option of diya remains viable,” said Chandran during an interview.
The ongoing civil conflict in Yemen, originating in 2014 when Houthi insurgents took control of the capital, Sanaa, poses a significant barrier in negotiating with Mahdi’s family. The turmoil has restricted travel and communications, making it difficult for Priya’s representatives to make any progress in the negotiations. Chandran emphasized the necessity of support from India’s Union government to facilitate these crucial discussions. He expressed the readiness of the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council to pay whatever sum is required for Priya’s pardon.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has acknowledged the delicate situation, noting ongoing efforts at various levels to support Priya and her family. “The government is extending all possible help in the matter,” stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Priya’s case has its roots in complex personal and professional grievances with Mahdi. According to court records, after seeking Mahdi’s assistance in 2015 to establish her clinic in Sanaa — owing to legal requirements that only nationals can own medical facilities — their relationship deteriorated. Priya accused Mahdi of financial manipulation and personal harassment, claiming that he had declared them married to exploit her earnings and seize her property.
The situation reached a fatal climax when Priya, allegedly advised by a jail warden, tried to sedate Mahdi to retrieve her passport from him and escape the abuse. Unfortunately, Mahdi overdosed and died.
Priya’s life now hangs in the balance, pending the willingness of Mahdi’s family to accept restitution and forgive her, thereby diverting the course from execution to possible freedom.
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