In the midst of a high-stakes international campaign to save Indian nurse Nimisha Priya from execution in Yemen, one man has found himself at the centre of both praise and controversy. Samuel Jerome Baskaran — a Tamil-origin airline consultant who has lived in Yemen for over two decades — has played a leading role in coordinating efforts to secure clemency for Nimisha under Yemen’s tribal and Sharia laws.

But in recent days, serious allegations have emerged from within the campaign itself. A faction of insiders has accused Jerome of monopolising the negotiation process, sidelining key religious leaders such as Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, and failing to provide transparency over funds collected for the cause.

Now, in an exclusive response to Timeline, Samuel Jerome breaks his silence. In a series of voice messages sent directly to our newsroom, he calls the accusations against him blatant lies, insists no money was misused, and claims all official payments were made through proper legal channels.