Background of the Case
Nimisha Priya, a 36‑year‑old nurse from Kollengode in Kerala’s Palakkad district, has lived and worked in Yemen since 2008. Married in 2011 to Tommy Thomas, she remained in the country even after the civil war in 2014 claimed her husband’s return to India with their daughter 1.
Charges and Conviction Timeline
In July 2017, Yemeni authorities accused Nimisha of murdering her business partner, Talal Abdo Mehdi. Allegations state she drugged Mehdi, resulting in his death by overdose, and with assistance, dismembered and disposed of his body in an underground tank 2. A Sanaa court sentenced her to death in 2020; subsequent appeals in the Supreme Court were rejected in 2023, and her plea for mercy was denied by the President of Yemen 3.
Last-Minute Diplomatic Intervention & Stay of Execution
Execution scheduled for July 16, 2025, triggered emergency diplomacy. Political figures and Kerala religious leaders—most notably Grand Mufti Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar—intervened, coordinating talks in Dhamar with Houthi-influenced authorities led by Sheikh Habib Umar bin Hafiz 4.
These high-level discussions led Yemeni officials to postpone the execution. Negotiations now centre on acceptance of “blood money”—an estimated US $1 million—by the victim’s family, a legal pathway under Yemeni Sharia law 5.
India’s Role & Supreme Court Plea
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed close monitoring and all possible consular support 6. A plea in India’s Supreme Court urged intervention through diplomatic channels, scheduled for urgent review by a bench led by Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta 7.
Conservation of Life: Stakes and Future
If blood money is accepted by Talal Mehdi’s family, Nimisha’s life could be spared. Her case highlights the intersection of international diplomacy, religious and cultural mediation, and legal nuances in a conflict-ridden nation.
Trivia & Quiz Tidbits
Q: In what year did Yemen court sentence Nimisha Priya to death?
A: 2020.
Q: Who interceded as the prominent Sunni religious leader?
A: Grand Mufti Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar.
Q: What is the blood‑money amount reportedly sought by the victim’s family?
A: US $1 million under Sharia law.
Source: The Week