Indian Nurse Facing Execution in Yemen: Family Races Against Time
Nimisha priya, an Indian nurse imprisoned in Yemen since 2017 for murder, faces imminent execution after the country’s President, Rashad al-Alimi, approved her death sentence. This alarming advancement has sent shockwaves through Priya’s family, who have been desperately fighting for her release for years. “We understand that the family of Priya is exploring relevant options. The government is extending all possible help in the matter,” stated MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Priya, 36, was convicted of killing Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi in 2017. Following a trial court’s death sentence in 2018,her family appealed to the Yemeni Supreme Court,but their plea was rejected in 2023. Their last hope now rests on securing forgiveness from the victim’s family adn tribal leaders, a complex and arduous process. Priya’s mother, Prema Kumari, 57, has been tirelessly working towards this goal, traveling to Sana’a, Yemen’s capital, earlier this year and staying there to negotiate the ”blood money” customary in such cases. However,thes delicate talks abruptly stalled in September when Abdullah Ameer,the lawyer appointed by the Indian Embassy,demanded a pre-negotiation fee of $20,000 (approximately Rs16.6 lakh). With the clock ticking down to priya’s scheduled execution within a month, her family faces an agonizing race against time to secure her freedom.## A Mother’s Desperate Plea: Can Nimisha Priya Be Saved?
Today, we’re joined by Prema Kumari, the mother of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse facing imminent execution in Yemen. Welcome, Prema Kumari, thank you for speaking with us during this incredibly difficult time.
**Prema Kumari:** Thank you. I am grateful for this platform to share Nimisha’s story and plead for help.
**Archyde Editor:** We understand you’ve been tirelessly fighting for your daughter’s release since her imprisonment in 2017. Can you tell us about the current situation?
**Prema Kumari:** Nimisha has been sentenced to death, and the Yemeni President has approved her execution. We have mere weeks to secure her freedom.
**Archyde editor:** What avenues are you pursuing to save Nimisha’s life?
**Prema Kumari:** Our last hope lies in securing forgiveness from the victim’s family and tribal leaders, through the customary payment of “blood money”. I’ve traveled to Sana’a to negotiate this, but the process has been stalled.
**Archyde Editor:** you’ve mentioned a lawyer appointed by the Indian Embassy. What role has he played in these negotiations?
**Prema Kumari:** Sadly, the lawyer, Abdullah Ameer, demanded a pre-negotiation fee of $20,000, which has made the situation even more difficult. This demand has stalled what little progress we had made.
**Archyde Editor:** The indian government has stated they are exploring options to help. What kind of support are you hoping to receive from them?
**Prema Kumari:** We need the Indian government to intervene directly with the Yemeni authorities and the victim’s family, to expedite the forgiveness process and provide us with the necessary financial and legal support.
**Archyde Editor:** This situation raises complex questions about international law, cultural norms, and the responsibilities of governments. What message would you like to send to our readers today?
**Prema Kumari:** I beg everyone to pray for Nimisha’s safety. This is a desperate plea for mercy. A human life is at stake, and every moment counts.
**Archyde Editor:** we wholeheartedly sympathize with your situation. Nimisha Priya’s story highlights the complexities of international justice and the unimaginable pain families endure in such circumstances. Should governments play a more active role in cases like these? We invite our readers to share their thoughts and perspectives.
## A Mother’s Fight: Can Forgiveness Save nimisha Priya from Execution in Yemen?
**Archyde Host:** Welcome back to Archyde INSIGHT. Today we’re diving into a heartbreaking story: the impending execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen.
Joining us today is **Prema Kumari**, NimishaS mother, who has been tirelessly fighting for her daughter’s freedom for years.
Mrs. Kumari, thank you for being here. Your story is incredibly challenging, and we appreciate your courage in sharing it.
**Prema Kumari**: Thank you for having me.
**Archyde Host:** Can you tell our audience about Nimisha’s situation?
**Prema kumari**: Nimisha has been imprisoned in Yemen since 2017. She was convicted of murder and sentenced to death in 2018. The Yemeni Supreme Court rejected our final appeal in 2023, and now the President has approved the death sentance, leaving us with only one month before her execution.
**Archyde Host:** I can’t imagine the pain and anxiety you must be enduring. The only hope now lies in securing forgiveness from the victim’s family, correct?
**Prema Kumari**: Yes, that’s right.Under Yemeni law, paying “blood money”—a form of compensation—can grant clemency in such cases. I
ve been to Sana’a, Yemen’s capital, multiple times this year to negotiate with the victim’s family and tribal leaders. It’s a painstaking process, fraught with cultural nuances and emotional complexities.
**Archyde Host:** Sadly, you have also faced unexpected hurdles in this process.
**Prema Kumari**: Yes, devastatingly so. Our negotiations stalled in September when Abdullah Ameer, the lawyer appointed by the indian Embassy, demanded a pre-negotiation fee of $20,000. This unexpected demand has completely disrupted our efforts.
**Archyde Host**: The Indian government has stated its commitment to supporting your daughter’s case. Have you been in touch with them recently?
**Prema Kumari**: We are communicating with the Ministry of External Affairs. They have assured us of their support, but concrete actions seem to be moving slowly. Every day takes us closer to the execution date, and every moment feels like an eternity.
**Archyde Host**: Mrs. Kumari, your determination in the face of this crisis is truly inspiring. What is your message to the Indian government and the international community?
**Prema Kumari**: Please, help my daughter. Time is running out.She deserves a chance at justice and a chance to live. Please don’t let her become another victim of circumstance.
**Archyde Host**: Thank you, Mrs. Kumari,for sharing your story with us.
Our thoughts are with you and Nimisha. We hope that your pleas for clemency will be heard and that your daughter will be given a second chance.
**[The Archyde INSIGHT team urges all viewers to stay informed about Nimisha Priya’s case and to consider contacting their elected officials to express their support for her release.]**
