New Delhi – The Indian government has confirmed its awareness of the death sentence handed to Indian nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen and assured that it is providing all possible assistance in the matter.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday, “We are aware of the sentencing of Ms. Nimisha Priya in Yemen. We understand that her family is exploring relevant options, and the government is extending all possible help in this case.”
The Case So Far
Nimisha Priya, a trained nurse who worked in private hospitals in Yemen, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2020 after being convicted of killing Yemeni citizen Talal Abdo Mahdi in 2017. Recently, the sentence was escalated to the death penalty.
Nimisha’s family alleges that Mahdi manipulated and harassed her over several years, leading to the tragic chain of events. The conflict began when Nimisha sought Mahdi’s help to set up a clinic in Yemen, where only Yemeni citizens can establish businesses.
According to her family, Mahdi manipulated ownership documents, seized her passport, and falsely claimed to be her husband using doctored photos. He allegedly took control of her earnings, subjected her to abuse, and threatened her at gunpoint multiple times.
The Tragic Incident
In 2017, Nimisha sought help from a local jail warden, who suggested she sedate Mahdi to retrieve her passport. However, the sedation attempt went tragically wrong. After administering a stronger sedative, Mahdi, who was reportedly a substance abuser, died from a drug overdose.
Following Mahdi’s death, Nimisha was arrested, leading to her sentencing. Her family continues to claim that she acted out of desperation to escape years of abuse and harassment.
Indian Government’s Role
The Indian government has been actively involved in assisting Nimisha’s family as they explore legal options to seek clemency or appeal her sentence. The MEA has also reached out to local authorities in Yemen and is closely monitoring the situation.
Calls for Clemency
Nimisha’s mother has filed a plea highlighting the abuse her daughter suffered and appealing for intervention. Public campaigns and legal efforts are being mobilized to push for a pardon or reduction of her sentence.
This case underscores the challenges faced by Indian nationals working abroad in high-risk environments, particularly in conflict-ridden regions like Yemen, which has been embroiled in civil war since 2014.
The Indian government’s intervention will be crucial in determining whether Nimisha Priya can be saved from her current plight. Her family and supporters are hopeful that diplomatic efforts will lead to a resolution.