Nimisha Priya Detained In Sanaa, A Houthi Territory, Not Ratified By President: Yemen

The Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in India has clarified that the case involving Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, detained in Sana’a under the control of the Houthi militia, has not been ratified by Dr Rashad Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council.

The embassy stated that the matter is being handled entirely by the Houthi militia, which has authority over Yemen’s capital.

Nimisha Priya, 34, was sentenced to death for the 2017 murder of her former business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, whose dismembered body was found in a water tank. Currently imprisoned in Sana’a, her death sentence was recently approved by Mahdi al-Mashat, president of the Houthis’ Supreme Political Council.

Also Read: Nimisha Priya: The Kerala Nurse Facing The Death Sentence In Yemen

Under Yemen’s Sharia law, the execution can only be halted if the victim’s family pardons her in exchange for diyah, or blood money.

Yemen Embassy statement on Nimisha Priya

Efforts to secure forgiveness from Mahdi’s family have been ongoing, with Nimisha’s supporters and relatives raising $40,000 to facilitate negotiations. However, direct contact with the victim’s family is prohibited under Yemeni law, requiring the involvement of mediators.

Nimisha’s family remains hopeful despite the challenges. Her mother, who has visited her in prison, described emotional reunions during her stay in Sana’a. Meanwhile, her husband, Tony Thomas, has expressed deep concern for their 13-year-old daughter, who has grown up without her mother’s presence.

Nimisha, who moved to Yemen as a nurse at 19, had hoped to improve her family’s financial situation. Her business partnership with Mahdi turned sour during the Yemeni civil war, leading to allegations of torture and financial exploitation.

Also Read: What Lies Ahead For Nimisha Priya As Govt Approves Pre-Negotiation Money Transfer

Her family continues to seek a resolution, appealing for support from the Indian government and international organisations to save her life.