Wed Jan 01 10:10:07 UTC 2025: ## Indian Nurse Faces Death Penalty in Yemen, Government Offers Support
**Sana’a, Yemen/New Delhi, India** – Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse, has been sentenced to death in Yemen for the alleged murder of her Yemeni sponsor, Talal-Abdo-Mohatti. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India confirmed Tuesday that it is providing all possible assistance to Priya and her family.
Priya’s lawyer, Subhash Chandran, stated that the death sentence could be avoided if Mohatti’s family accepts “blood money” (diya), a payment under Sharia law that can waive the death penalty in certain cases. Negotiations have begun, with a $40,000 payment already made, but an additional $400,000 is reportedly needed to secure Priya’s release.
Chandran claims Priya, who worked in private hospitals in Yemen for several years, was acting in self-defense. He alleges Mohatti, her sponsor, had seized her passport, subjected her to years of torture, financial abuse, and threats, including at gunpoint. He further claims she attempted to sedate Mohatti to retrieve her passport, resulting in an accidental overdose and his death. Priya’s family maintains their innocence and asserts they are ready to pay the necessary funds, but require government assistance to facilitate negotiations in Yemen due to travel restrictions. The family is not seeking government financial aid.
The MEA has emphasized its commitment to helping Priya navigate this legal crisis and explore all available options. The case highlights the complexities of navigating foreign legal systems and the challenges faced by Indian citizens abroad.
First Piper 