Nimisha Priya, a 38-year-old nurse from Kollengode in Palakkad district, Kerala, is facing execution in Yemen on July 16, 2025, for the murder of her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2017. Her case has garnered significant attention in India and beyond, with her family, activists, and Indian authorities making desperate efforts to secure her release. As the execution date looms, the situation remains precarious, with negotiations for a pardon through the Islamic Sharia law provision of “Diyah” (blood money) offering a glimmer of hope. This article explores the background of the case, the events leading to her conviction, ongoing efforts to save her, and the broader implications of her situation.
Background and Circumstances Leading to Conviction
Nimisha Priya moved to Yemen in 2008 to work as a nurse, driven by the desire to support her family, who were daily wage laborers in Kerala. After marrying Tomy Thomas in 2011, the couple dreamed of opening a medical clinic in Sana’a, Yemen’s capital. Due to Yemeni law requiring a local partner for such ventures, Nimisha partnered with Talal Abdo Mahdi, a Yemeni national who frequented her clinic. According to her family and supporters, this partnership took a dark turn. Talal allegedly became abusive, confiscated Nimisha’s passport, and prevented her from leaving the country. He also reportedly stole a wedding photograph during a visit to Kerala and falsely claimed to be married to her, further complicating her situation.
In 2017, Nimisha attempted to escape Talal’s control by sedating him with an injection to recover her documents. Tragically, Talal died during this attempt, leading to Nimisha’s arrest. She was convicted of murder in 2018 by a trial court in Sana’a, sentenced to death in 2020, and her final appeal was rejected by Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023. She is currently held in Sana’a Central Prison, with her execution scheduled for July 16, 2025. Nimisha’s family and legal team have argued that she endured repeated abuse and coercion from Talal, framing her actions as a desperate attempt to escape an oppressive situation.
Ongoing Efforts to Save Nimisha Priya
With only days remaining before the scheduled execution, multiple efforts are underway to secure Nimisha’s release. The primary hope lies in the Islamic legal concept of Diyah, or blood money, which allows the victim’s family to pardon the convicted in exchange for financial compensation. The Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, formed in 2020 by non-resident Keralites and Indians worldwide, has raised $1 million (approximately ₹8.5 crore) to offer as blood money to Talal’s family. Samuel Jerome Bhaskaran, a social worker representing Nimisha’s mother, Prema Kumari, is leading negotiations in Sana’a. However, as of July 12, 2025, the victim’s family has neither accepted nor rejected the offer, leaving the outcome uncertain.
Nimisha’s husband, Tomy Thomas, remains hopeful, stating, “We are expecting a positive response.” He has been in regular contact with Nimisha, who recently messaged him about her execution date. Tomy met Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on July 10, 2025, along with MLA Chandy Oommen, to discuss the case. The Governor assured support, contacting Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officials and speaking with Prema Kumari, who is currently in Yemen pursuing legal and humanitarian avenues. Tomy expressed gratitude to Indian diplomats and the Action Council for their efforts, emphasizing that both the central and Kerala state governments, along with the MEA, are actively involved.
The Supreme Court of India has also taken up the case, scheduling an urgent hearing on July 14, 2025, to address a plea filed by the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council. The plea seeks diplomatic intervention by the Indian government and explores the possibility of blood money negotiations. Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi have issued a notice to the Attorney General, requesting the Centre’s response on steps taken to save Nimisha. Advocate Subhash Chandran K.R., representing the petitioner, argued that under Sharia law, a pardon from the victim’s family could save Nimisha’s life, urging swift diplomatic action.
Challenges and Complications
The case is complicated by Yemen’s ongoing civil conflict, which began in 2014 and has severely limited access for foreign missions. The lack of formal diplomatic relations between India and Yemen, controlled by Houthi rebels, poses significant challenges. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia and the MEA have not officially confirmed the execution date, highlighting the difficulty of communication in a war-torn region. The absence of a functioning Yemeni government further complicates negotiations, with activists noting that “only the Yemeni government can now change the course of this case” through high-level intervention.
Nimisha’s family is also grappling with financial strain, having accumulated debts of over ₹60 lakh in their efforts to secure her release. Prema Kumari, a domestic helper in Ernakulam, and Tomy, an autorickshaw driver, have relied on public support and the Action Council’s fundraising efforts. Nimisha’s 12-year-old daughter, living in a convent in Kerala, adds an emotional layer to the family’s plight.
Broader Implications and Public Response
Nimisha Priya’s case has sparked widespread attention in India, with political leaders and activists calling for urgent action. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, along with Communist Party of India (CPI) Rajya Sabha MP Sandosh Kumar, have urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene. Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has also appealed for support, encouraging women to contribute to blood money efforts. The case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by Indian migrant workers, particularly women, in conflict zones and the complexities of navigating foreign legal systems.
Nimisha’s Emotional Appeal
In a heart-wrenching appeal reported by NDTV on July 12, 2025, Nimisha urged the Indian government, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to act swiftly to save her life. Speaking from Sana’a Central Prison, she expressed her desperation, stating, “I’m appealing to the Indian Government to save me.” Her words have galvanized activists like Babu John, who emphasized the need for influential local mediation to secure a pardon. The Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council continues to rally support, stressing that time is running out.
Last Updated on: Saturday, July 12, 2025 11:41 am by Ventrapati Mahitha | Published by: Ventrapati Mahitha on Saturday, July 12, 2025 11:41 am | News Categories: News
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