Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who has been serving a prison sentence in Yemen since 2017 for the murder of a Yemeni national, has been approved for the death penalty by Yemen President Rashad al-Alimi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has stated that they are aware of the sentencing and are extending all possible help. Nimisha Priya’s family has been making efforts to save her from death row, with her mother staying in Sana’a to secure forgiveness from the victim’s family and negotiate blood money. The Indian Embassy’s appointed lawyer demanded a fee for negotiation, leading to challenges in ensuring transparency to donors about fund usage.
Nimisha Priya’s case dates back to 2017 when she was found guilty of killing Talal Abdo Mahdi, a Yemeni national. Her family has been fighting for her release, with their appeal rejected by both the trial court and the Supreme Court in Yemen. Despite efforts to negotiate with the victim’s family, talks were halted due to a fee demand by the lawyer appointed by the Indian Embassy. Nimisha Priya’s plea in the Yemeni Supreme Court showcases a complicated series of events leading to Mahdi’s death at her hands. She alleges harassment, physical torture, and embezzlement by Mahdi, who claimed to be married to her through forged documents.
Nimisha Priya, a trained nurse from Palakkad, worked in Yemen until her husband and daughter returned to India due to financial reasons. Yemen’s civil war prevented their return, leading to a series of events ultimately resulting in Nimisha Priya being sentenced to death. With one month until her possible execution, her family and international supporters continue to fight for her release.
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