Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya’s 13-year-old daughter clings to the hope of reuniting with her mother, who faces the death penalty in Yemen for allegedly murdering a Yemeni national.
Ms Nimisha’s husband Tomy Thomas, who lives in Thodupuzha, Kerala, has expressed his willingness to offer diya (blood money) to save her life.
Under Islamic law, the payment of diya is the principal punishment for unintentional killing and culpable homicide. Diya can also be paid in murder cases in which the relatives of the victim waive their right to qisas (principal punishment for murder) and choose to receive blood money.
“For the past seven years, we have been trying every possible legal way to seek pardon and bring Nimisha home alive,” he told News18. “Our child was just two years old when this happened. She has seen Priya’s photographs and speaks over video calls with her, but she needs the support and love of a mother.
“We are hoping that we can connect to the family of Talal Abdo Mahdi and find a solution. We are ready to offer diya in return for the life of my wife.”
Ms Nimisha’s ordeal began in 2017 when she was arrested while attempting to leave Yemen.
Her lawyer Subhash Chandran said the trained nurse, who worked in private hospitals in Yemen for a few years. was convicted for the murder of Mahdi in July 2017.
“He was her sponsor, and during the time of the Yemen war, she was tortured by her sponsor,” said Mr Chandran. “She wanted to get her passport back and run away to save her life, so she tried to sedate him. Unfortunately, there was an overdose, and he died.”
Convicted of murder in 2018, Ms Nimisha was sentenced to death by a trial court in Yemen’s capital Sana’a in 2020. The verdict was upheld by Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023. On Dec 30, 2024, Yemen’s President Rashad al-Alimi reportedly approved the execution order.
Following this decision, Ms Nimisha’s family and human rights advocates have intensified their efforts to save her.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed it is providing all possible assistance. Its spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said: “We are aware of Nimisha Priya’s sentencing in Yemen. The family is exploring available options, and the government is extending full support.”
According to Yemeni media, Priya’s execution could be carried out within a month.
Despite the challenges, Mr Thomas, a daily wage labourer and autorickshaw driver, remains hopeful. “I believe our appeals to Mahdi’s family will lead to a resolution. I am optimistic about discussing diya. My wife is a compassionate and kind person. We are determined to find a way to save her,” he said.
In November 2023, a US$40,000 ($55,000) payment was made to get negotiations started on Ms Nimisha Priya’s behalf. Her family will likely have to pay close to US$400,000 more in order to waive the death penalty, according to The Indian Express.
International groups have joined the family’s efforts. With support from the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council – a collective of non-resident Indian social workers – activist Prema Kumari has been stationed in Sana’a since early 2024 to negotiate the payment of blood money. However, the discussions have faced numerous setbacks, prolonging the family’s anguish.
Mr Chandran said if the family of Mahdi is ready to accept the “blood money” and “pardon” Ms Nimisha, “her life will be saved”.
