Nimisha Priya: Family and activists fight for final pardon in Yemen

New Delhi: Family members and human rights activists in Kerala are holding on to hope for a last-minute reprieve for Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse on death row in Yemen after Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi confirmed her death sentence for the alleged murder of a local citizen.

Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse from Kerala has been facing trials in Yemen since 2017 for murdering a Yemeni man, Talal Abdo Mahdi, and was convicted in 2020.

Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council upheld the death verdict in November 2023. On December 30, Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi confirmed the execution order, intensifying her family’s struggle to save her.

Yemeni law allows clemency if the victim’s family accepts blood money (diya). Nimisha’s supporters negotiated a settlement of $40,000, which was raised through crowdfunding and paid in full by December 27. However, despite this payment, the execution order has not been revoked. The Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, continues to push for clemency, saying they are prepared to pay additional amounts if necessary.

What is blood money?

Blood money, known as "diya" in Islamic law, is a form of financial compensation paid to the family of a victim by the offender or their representatives as part of a settlement in cases of murder or other serious crimes. It is often used as an alternative to capital punishment, depending on the legal system and the victim's family’s willingness to accept it.

"Despite the lack of bilateral ties between India and civil war-torn Yemen, our diplomatic efforts could still bring about a positive outcome, an optimistic Babu John, a member of the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council," told PTI.

With the execution reportedly imminent, her family and supporters are calling for urgent intervention from the Union Government. On Tuesday, the Indian government said it was extending all possible help.

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