Indian nurse Nimisha Priya's death sentence was confirmed by Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi for the alleged murder of a Yemeni national, just three days after the final instalment of pre-negotiation money was paid to the Yemeni lawyer acting as a negotiator. Priya is accused of murdering Yemeni citizen Talal Abdo Mahdi by allegedly “injecting him with sedatives.” Since April 2024, her mother has been staying in Yemen, hoping to convince Talal's family to forgive her.
According to Advocate Subhash Chandran, who is representing Priya from India, $40,000 was demanded as pre-negotiation money to be distributed among Yemeni tribal leaders. "The initial installment of $20,000 was paid some time ago, but we received little feedback from Yemen, causing a delay in paying the second instalment," said the advocate. Both installments were transferred to the negotiator via India's diplomatic mission to Yemen.
Chandran also noted that no part of the amount has reached Talal's family so far.
Priya's journey to Yemen started in 2011 when she relocated to Sana'a to work as a nurse. In 2014, financial struggles compelled her husband and young daughter to return to India, and the ongoing civil war in Yemen kept the family apart. Priya stayed in Yemen and later collaborated with Talal to open a clinic, as required by local laws for foreign nationals.
However, her life took a turn when Talal allegedly forged documents to falsely claim marriage to her, and Priya accused him of subjecting her to severe physical and emotional abuse, including torture and threats. She alleged that Talal confiscated her passport and extorted money from her clinic.
In 2017, desperate to reclaim her passport and escape the abusive situation, Priya reportedly sought help from a local jail warden, who suggested sedating Talal to render him unconscious. Tragically, the sedative caused a fatal overdose, leading to Talal’s death and Priya's subsequent arrest and conviction.
Priya was sentenced to capital punishment by a trial court in 2020, and Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council upheld the verdict in November 2023, leaving room for a possible reprieve through blood money. Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi reportedly approved Priya's death sentence on December 30.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated today that the ministry is “aware of the sentencing of Nimisha Priya in Yemen and understands that Priya's family is exploring relevant options.” He added, “The government is extending all possible help in the matter.”
Advocate Subhash Chandran noted that the lack of bilateral ties between India and the Houthis complicates the situation, as there is no active Indian embassy in Yemen. However, an Iranian official extended support today, stating that Iran is willing to assist on humanitarian grounds. Subhash Chandran commented that Iran's involvement could play a significant role in saving Nimisha Priya.
For now, paying the blood money demanded by Talal’s family remains the only viable option to save her. “The family will determine the amount,” said the advocate, expressing hope that Nimisha Priya can still be saved.
