Execution of Indian Nurse Nimisha Priya Stayed in Yemen
The execution of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse on death row in Yemen for the 2017 murder of a Yemeni citizen, has been stayed. The last-minute halt follows extensive diplomatic efforts and the intervention of religious leaders, including India's Grand Mufti. The family of the deceased has not yet granted a pardon, but the stay provides a crucial window for further negotiations regarding "blood money" compensation, an accepted practice under Sharia law that could spare her life.
Unpacked:
Nimisha Priya was convicted for the 2017 murder of Talal Abdo Mahdi after she attempted to sedate him to recover her passport, which he had confiscated. The sedative overdose caused his death. She and another nurse then disposed of the body. Priya was tried, convicted, and sentenced to death in 2018, with the sentence later upheld by Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council.
'Blood money' is compensation paid to the victim’s family under Sharia law, allowing them to pardon the accused and halt an execution. If Mahdi's family accepts blood money, Nimisha Priya’s execution could be averted, as this practice is legally recognized in Yemen for certain murder convictions.
The Indian government has engaged in sustained diplomatic efforts, maintaining regular contact with Yemeni authorities and Priya’s family, and providing legal and consular assistance. Indian officials and religious leaders, including the Grand Mufti, have intervened to seek a stay of execution and explore options like blood money for her release.
Nimisha Priya alleged that Mahdi abused her, withheld her passport, controlled her with drugs, and siphoned clinic funds. Despite reporting abuse to local authorities, she was arrested instead of protected. Her trial reportedly lacked an interpreter or adequate legal defense, leading to calls for a retrial due to fairness concerns.