Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse, now faces execution in Yemen. She was convicted of killing Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi in 2017. The Indian government has stepped in, promising to help.
“We are aware of the sentencing of Ms. Nimisha Priya in Yemen,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated. “The family of Priya is exploring relevant options.”
Nimisha’s Move to Yemen
Nimisha, born to daily wage laborers, trained as a nurse. She moved to Yemen in 2008 for better opportunities. She married Tomy Thomas in 2011 and settled in Sana’a. The couple welcomed a daughter soon after.
Later, they decided to open a clinic to improve their income. However, foreigners were not allowed to register businesses in Yemen. So, they partnered with Mahdi, a Yemeni local. This decision marked the beginning of their troubles.
Mahdi’s Betrayal and Abuse
Mahdi controlled 67% of the clinic’s shares. Although the clinic was successful, Mahdi withheld profits from Nimisha. Family accounts reveal he also abused her physically and emotionally.
Reports claim Mahdi accompanied Nimisha to Kerala in 2015. During his stay, he met her husband and stayed at their home. Later, he forged a marriage certificate using altered photographs. This fake document was accepted in a Yemeni court.
Nimisha accused Mahdi of sexual assault and torture. He was jailed several times due to her complaints and his drug-related issues.
The Killing
In 2017, Mahdi withheld Nimisha’s passport, stopping her from returning to India. During a jail visit, Nimisha injected him with sedatives to retrieve her passport. Unfortunately, he died of an overdose.
A fellow Yemeni nurse reportedly advised her to dispose of the body. The two dismembered the corpse and hid it in a water tank. Soon, the police arrested both women.
Legal Battle and Execution Orders
In 2020, a Yemeni court sentenced Nimisha to death. Her appeals were rejected. In India, activists formed the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council to seek her release.
This year, the Indian government approved $40,000 to negotiate her release through diyya (blood money). However, Yemen’s President recently approved her death sentence. Her execution is expected within a month.
Ongoing Efforts
Despite the setback, Nimisha’s family and supporters continue their efforts. Time is running out, but they remain hopeful for a resolution. The case highlights the challenges faced by Indians trapped in foreign legal systems.
