Nimisha Priya: Death sentence suspended, Yemeni victim's family presses for execution

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Hope is fading for Nimisha Priya, as the family of the man she was convicted of murdering continues to push execution. Despite a delay in the hanging, the victim's relatives have urged Yemeni authorities to proceed without further postponement read more
Only blood money can save Nimisha Priya from the gallows in Yemen. News18 Malayalam
Hope continues to fade for Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse from Kerala convicted of murder in Yemen and sentenced to death, as the victim's family remains resolute in demanding the death penalty.
Although her execution, initially scheduled for 16 July 2025, has been postponed indefinitely, the victim's relatives are now urging Yemeni authorities to carry it out without further delay.
A letter calling for the 'speedy implementation of the retaliation sentence' against Priya was shared on social media by Abdul Fattah Abdo Mahdi, the brother of the murdered Yemeni national, Talal Abdo Mahdi. Dated 3 August, the letter is addressed to Yemen's Attorney General, Judge Abdul Salam Al-Houthi, and reaffirms the family's demand for the sentence to be enforced.
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'More than half a month has passed since the postponement, and no new date has been set. We, the victim's family, firmly demand our right to have the sentence carried out and reject any attempts at mediation or settlement,' the letter reads.
The letter further adds that carrying out the execution is essential to uphold justice and their legal rights.
India denies travel request for delegation supporting Priya
Meanwhile, the Indian government has refused permission for a group from the Nimisha Priya International Action Council to travel to Yemen, citing serious security concerns. Although the Supreme Court recently allowed the group to pursue clemency talks with the victim's family, such travel requires clearance from India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), as travel to Yemen remains banned for Indian nationals.
In its response, the MEA noted the fragile security situation in Sana'a and the absence of formal diplomatic ties with the current regime in Yemen. It stated that the Indian Embassy, previously based in Sana'a, has been relocated to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, due to safety concerns.
'The security situation in Sana'a is unstable, and recent regional developments have made travel even more dangerous. Any negotiations must be strictly between the victim's family and Nimisha Priya's authorised representatives,' the ministry said, adding that it continues to explore all possible avenues in the case.
Background of the case
Nimisha Priya, originally from Kerala's Palakkad district, moved to Yemen in 2008 and worked as a nurse in a government hospital. She later left her position to establish her own clinic, reportedly in partnership with Talal Abdo Mahdi and another woman.
According to Priya's lawyer in India, Subhash Chandan, Talal had allegedly abused both women, seized their passports, and restricted their movement. In a desperate attempt to escape, Priya and her associate reportedly drugged Talal, an act that is believed to have resulted in his death. The case intensified after authorities discovered Talal's mutilated body, leading to Priya's arrest. Officials also allege that she attempted to flee the war-torn country.
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