Nimisha Priya: The Plight of an Indian Nurse on Death Row in Yemen

An Indian nurse from Kerala, Nimisha Priya, is facing execution in Yemen on July 16, 2025, following her conviction for the 2017 murder of a Yemeni national. The case has been a source of significant legal and diplomatic challenges since its commencement. Despite persistent efforts by the Indian government, a viable solution has yet to be found. Priya’s legal options have been exhausted. The Supreme Judicial Council of Yemen upheld her death sentence in November 2023. Her final chance for pardon is through ‘Diya’, which faces time constraints. Nimisha moved to Yemen in 2008 with her family, later staying to manage finances. She opened a clinic in 2014 with a local partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi. She claims that he falsely declared himself her husband, harassed her, and seized her passport. Seeking to return to India, she administered sedatives to him, which resulted in his death. The government has been consistently monitoring the case, in touch with Yemeni officials and her family. The absence of formal diplomatic relations with the Houthi rebels controlling the area presents a significant challenge. Her mother’s visit to Yemen and attempts at a ‘Diya’ settlement have been unsuccessful. Now, Priya’s hope resides on the victim’s family accepting ‘Diya’.