India says options limited in saving Kerala nurse facing execution in Yemen

14 Jul 2025 16:51 IST

Updated On 14 Jul 2025 16:53 IST

Nimisha execution: How another accused was saved using 'blood money'

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India says its hands are tied due to lack of diplomatic ties with Yemen
Nimisha Priya’s family is negotiating privately for blood money
Execution scheduled for July 16; victim's family has rejected compensation

The Indian government told the Supreme Court on Monday that its ability to intervene in the case of Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse facing execution in Yemen on July 16, is severely limited due to diplomatic constraints. The Centre explained that Yemen, particularly the Houthi-controlled region of Sana’a where Priya is imprisoned, is not diplomatically recognised by India, making formal intervention nearly impossible.

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Attorney General R Venkataramani, appearing for the Centre, said the government had reached the maximum extent of possible involvement and reiterated that the ongoing negotiation for “blood money” was a private matter being pursued by Priya’s family. Blood money is a provision in Islamic law that allows for compensation to the victim’s family to prevent execution.

Priya, who worked as a nurse in Yemen since 2008, was convicted of murdering her business partner Talal Abdo Mehdi, allegedly under duress. She claims the act was in self-defense, citing years of abuse. The courts in Yemen have rejected her appeals.

Despite efforts involving private intermediaries and local influencers, the victim’s family has refused to accept compensation. The government emphasised that further intervention risks worsening the situation.

Priya remains in Sana’a Central Prison, facing imminent execution.

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