Yemeni authorities have set July 16 as the execution date for Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala. Human rights activist Samuel Jerome confirmed this information. He has the power of attorney for Priya’s mother, Prema Kumari.
Authorities Arrested Her in 2017
Officials arrested Priya in 2017 for allegedly killing her business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi. In 2020, a Yemeni court sentenced her to death. Since then, her case has drawn international attention.
India Is Monitoring the Case
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) continues to track the case. A source told News18, “We have been closely following the matter since then. We have been in regular touch with local authorities and her family members and rendered all possible assistance. We continue to closely follow the matter.”
She Moved to Yemen for Work
Priya, a native of Palakkad in Kerala, moved to Yemen in 2011. She wanted to support her parents, who worked as daily wage labourers. After working in several hospitals, she decided to open her own clinic.
She Partnered with a Local
In 2014, she met Talal Abdo Mahdi. He agreed to help her set up the clinic. Yemeni law requires foreigners to have a local partner to run a business. By 2015, they opened a clinic in Sana’a.
Abuse Claims Led to Conflict
Soon, their relationship turned bitter. Priya accused Mahdi of physical abuse. She claimed he took away her passport to stop her from leaving Yemen. In 2016, she filed a police complaint. Authorities arrested Mahdi but later released him.
A Fatal Decision Followed
By 2017, Priya was desperate to return to India. She sought help from a local jail warden. He reportedly told her to use sedatives to retrieve her passport. Acting on this advice, she injected Mahdi. He died from an overdose. Authorities arrested her and charged her with murder.
Appeals Were Rejected
Priya’s mother appealed to Yemen’s Supreme Court. However, the court rejected the plea in 2023. Later, President Rashad al-Alimi signed the execution order. With the execution date now fixed, Priya’s family and supporters are urging the Indian government to act. They continue to hope for last-minute intervention.