Wed Jan 01 08:04:12 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Nurse Faces Execution in Yemen, Family Pleads for Blood Money Solution
**Sana’a, Yemen/New Delhi, India –** Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse sentenced to death in Yemen, is facing imminent execution after the Yemeni Supreme Court rejected her appeal. Her only remaining hope rests on a presidential pardon, and her family is desperately seeking help from the Indian government.
Priya, who has been imprisoned since 2017, was convicted of the murder of Yemeni citizen Talal Abdo Mahdi. She claims she administered an injection that caused his death accidentally due to an overdose, after he allegedly misused her passport and tried to claim her as his wife. Her co-worker, Hanan, was also arrested, although the article does not specify Hanan’s current status.
The Yemeni trial court initially sentenced Priya to death in 2018, a verdict upheld by the Supreme Court in 2023. Now, her family, including her husband Tommy Thomas and mother Prema Kumari, are exploring the possibility of “blood money,” a practice in some Middle Eastern countries where the victim’s family accepts compensation in exchange for dropping charges. Mahdi’s family is reportedly demanding 50 million Yemeni rials (approximately ₹1.52 crore or $185,000 USD).
Priya’s family has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking government assistance to facilitate this blood money payment. They are appealing to the Indian government for intervention, highlighting the plight of Priya’s 13-year-old daughter, who is growing up without her mother.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen and travel restrictions are complicating efforts to secure Priya’s release. While the Indian government is reportedly providing some consular assistance, the practical steps required to navigate the Yemeni legal system and secure the necessary funds remain a significant hurdle. The family’s hope now hinges on whether the Indian government can effectively intervene to prevent Priya’s execution.
First Piper 