Yemen delays execution of  Nimisha Priya as victim’s family rejects ‘Blood Money’ offer

In a critical turn of events, the planned execution of Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala convicted of murder in Yemen, has been temporarily postponed. The decision follows ongoing appeals from her family and Indian intervention, although her fate remains uncertain.

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Nimisha was scheduled to be executed on 16^th July 2025 for the 2014 killing of Yemeni national Talal Abdul Mehdi, reportedly in self-defense after years of abuse. Her family offered Rs 8.6 crore as “blood money”, a legal provision in Yemen allowing the victim's family to pardon the accused in exchange for financial compensation. However, Talal’s family has refused the offer, declaring that “life cannot be bought with money” and that justice must prevail.

Spiritual leader Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad from Kerala played a key role in persuading Yemeni authorities to delay the execution. Negotiations are currently underway with the Houthi-led government in Yemen. Meanwhile, the Indian government has stepped up diplomatic efforts, maintaining contact with Yemen’s prison officials and prosecutors.

Advocacy groups like the Nimisha Priya International Action Council continue their campaign for clemency. Core committee member Dinesh Nair confirmed that despite rejection of the initial offer, the team remains hopeful and is exploring all possible diplomatic and legal options to save Nimisha.