‘Sensitive Matter': MEA Refutes Reports In Nimisha Priya's Execution Case
The Ministry of External Affairs urged restraint and rejected speculative reporting around the case of Nimisha Priya, the Indian nurse facing the death penalty in Yemen, reaffirming that India is working 'through all possible channels" to bring her home.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, 'This is a sensitive matter. The Government of India has been giving all possible assistance in this case. As a result of our efforts, you all have seen that the sentencing was deferred… As I said last time, we are also in touch with some friendly government in this matter… I would urge to refrain from believing any media report. Please wait for an update from us."
The statement from MEA came days after 13-year-old Mishel, the daughter of Nimisha Priya, went to Yemen to plead for her mother's life. Mishel, who had not seen her mother in over a decade, was accompanied by her father Tomy Thomas and Global Peace Initiative founder Dr KA Paul.
In an emotional video message delivered in both Malayalam and English, Mishel said, 'I love you, mummy. Please help bring my mother back home. I so badly want to see her. I miss you, mummy."
Tomy, also speaking from Yemen, appealed directly to the authorities, saying, 'Please save my wife Nimisha Priya and help her reach her hometown."
Nimisha Priya, a trained nurse from Kerala, moved to Yemen in 2008 and later opened her own clinic. In 2017, she was arrested for the alleged murder of her former business partner, Talal Abdo Mehdi. Authorities claim she attempted to sedate him to retrieve her passport- reportedly held by him without consent- but the sedative proved fatal. She was convicted in 2018 and sentenced to death in 2020.
Her execution, initially scheduled for July 16, was suspended after sustained diplomatic outreach from India. The MEA confirmed it is providing full legal assistance to Nimisha Priya's family, including visa support and consular access, and has deputed a team of legal and Sharia experts to Yemen.
The case remains complex as under Yemeni Sharia law, the victim's family holds the right to pardon in exchange for diyyah (blood money). However, the brother of the deceased, Abdelfattah Mehdi, has publicly refused any clemency, saying, 'There can be no pardon for the crime."
Dr KA Paul praised Yemeni authorities for engaging with the humanitarian appeal, saying, 'Nimisha's only daughter did not see her for 10 years. Mishel is here. I want to thank the Talal family. As soon as you release Nimisha, hopefully tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, we shall be very grateful. God will bless you."
Calling Nimisha Priya a 'symbol of peace," he added, 'The nation of Yemen will bring investments and prosperity when you address the world because Nimisha has become the daughter of India. What you are doing is an amazing gesture."
The Indian government has maintained a cautious stance, urging the media to avoid conjecture as sensitive negotiations continue. The MEA reiterated, 'Please wait for an update from us."
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