Last-Minute Talks in Yemen Raise Hope to Save Kerala Nurse Nimisha Priya
Frantic efforts to save Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya from her scheduled execution in Yemen on July 16 have gained momentum, with influential Sufi scholar leading negotiations.
International News: A desperate bid to postpone the execution of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen is underway, with her death sentence looming on July 16. Convicted in 2018 for the 2017 murder of Yemeni citizen Talal Abdo Mahdi, Priya’s fate now rests on a crucial meeting in Dhamar, Yemen, with the victim’s family. This development, driven by prominent religious leaders, offers a lifeline through the possibility of a blood money settlement.
Nimisha Priya Case
Sufi scholar and Indian Sunni leader are leading efforts to secure clemency for Priya. Their stature in the Islamic world has paved the way for negotiations under Yemen’s Sharia-based legal framework, where “diya” (blood money) can replace a death penalty if the victim’s family agrees. Their involvement has raised hopes, as they appeal to the family’s compassion to consider forgiveness over retribution.
Talks in Yemen Raise Hope to Save Kerala Nurse
The upcoming meeting in Dhamar is pivotal. Talal’s family, who sought Priya’s execution after she was found guilty of poisoning and dismembering Mahdi, holds the power to accept a financial settlement, estimated at $40,000-$50,000. The “Save Nimisha Priya” committee, alongside global supporters, is mobilizing funds to meet this demand. The outcome of this dialogue could halt the execution, offering Priya a chance to return to her family in Palakkad, Kerala.
Key Meeting in Dhamar to decide Fate
India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Sana’a are actively supporting the mediation process, coordinating with Yemeni authorities. Crowdfunding efforts in Kerala have gained momentum, reflecting widespread solidarity. Priya’s case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by Indian migrant workers abroad, prompting calls for enhanced consular protections.
As the Dhamar meeting nears, the efforts of Sheikh Habib and Kanthapuram embody a blend of faith and diplomacy. The global community watches closely, hoping this intervention will spare Nimisha Priya and reunite her with her loved ones.
