Kerala Nurse Nimisha Priya’s Death Penalty in Yemen: Iran Steps In

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala, was arrested in Yemen in 2017 for allegedly murdering Talal Abdo Mehdi.
2. She was sentenced to death by a trial court in 2020, upheld by Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council in 2023.
3. Iran has pledged to intervene by negotiating with the Yemeni government on her behalf.
4. The victim’s family has the option to pardon Nimisha in exchange for blood money.
5. India has assured full support to Nimisha’s family in exploring all possible solutions.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Case Background

Nimisha Priya, hailing from Palakkad, Kerala, was arrested in Yemen in 2017 for the alleged murder of Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mehdi. In 2020, a trial court sentenced her to death, a decision upheld by the Supreme Judicial Council in 2023.

Iran’s Involvement

Iranian authorities have pledged to negotiate with the Yemeni government to advocate for Nimisha’s release. They have assured their full support in addressing the matter.

Blood Money and Family Efforts

Yemeni law allows death penalties to be revoked if the victim’s family accepts blood money. Negotiations stalled when a lawyer demanded $40,000 in pre-negotiation fees, delaying the family’s efforts.

India’s Position

The Ministry of External Affairs has assured all possible support. According to its spokesperson, the family is working on available legal options to secure her pardon.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Nimisha Priya has been sentenced to death in Yemen for murder.
• Negotiations for a blood money settlement are ongoing but delayed.
• Iran has intervened to help secure a resolution.
• India continues to assist Nimisha’s family in all legal and diplomatic efforts.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio