Supreme Court Intervenes to Save Kerala Nurse on Death Row in Yemen
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea seeking the Indian government's urgent diplomatic intervention to save Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala on death row in Yemen. Priya was convicted of murdering her Yemeni business partner in 2017 and is reportedly scheduled for execution on July 16. The petition, filed by a support group, urges the government to explore paying "blood money" to the victim's family, a practice permissible under Sharia law that could lead to a pardon.
Unpacked:
'Blood money' (diya) is compensation paid to a murder victim's family under Sharia law, which is practiced in Yemen. If the victim's family accepts the payment, they can choose to pardon the convicted individual, which may lead to commuting the death sentence or release.
Nimisha Priya was convicted of murdering her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2017. She alleged Mahdi had harassed her, confiscated her passport, and threatened her. Her defense claims she tried to sedate him to retrieve her passport, but the dosage was excessive, resulting in his death.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has stated it is extending all possible help, and the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea urging urgent diplomatic intervention. The government is considering all available diplomatic and legal channels, including facilitating payment of blood money if feasible.
The case has sparked outrage in India, highlighting the harsh realities and legal vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers, especially women, in Yemen and the Gulf region. It has renewed calls for stronger protections and diplomatic support for Indian citizens working abroad.