Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala, was sentenced to death in Yemen for the 2017 murder of Yemeni man Talal Abdo Mehdi. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has pledged to provide “all possible assistance” to help secure her release. Despite her appeal being rejected by Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023, Priya’s family is exploring various legal options.
Possible Option: Blood Money (Diyya)
Under Sharia law, a crime’s victim or their family can choose to forgive the perpetrator in exchange for monetary compensation, known as “blood money” or “diyya.” This option could potentially lead to Priya’s release. In November 2023, an initial payment of $40,000 was made to begin negotiations. However, her family may need to pay an additional $400,000 to secure her freedom. The “Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council” is actively working to raise the necessary funds.
Indian Government’s Role
Subhash Chandran KR, a Supreme Court lawyer representing Priya’s family, stated that the Indian government’s intervention could delay the execution and facilitate talks with Mahdi’s family. The government’s involvement may help bring tribal leaders and the victim’s family to the negotiating table, potentially resulting in a pardon in exchange for the blood money.
Background of the Crime
Nimisha Priya, from Kollengode in Kerala’s Palakkad district, moved to Yemen in 2008. She married Tomy Thomas in Kerala in 2011, and the couple hoped to open their own clinic. However, Yemeni law required a local partner, and Talal Abdo Mehdi assisted by opening a clinic with Priya. He allegedly refused to share any of the clinic’s profits and forged documents to falsely present Priya as his wife. Priya also reported suffering physical and sexual abuse at his hands. In response to the abuse, she sedated Mehdi, causing a fatal drug overdose.
