In response to this development, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that they are aware of Priya's sentencing and are providing support to her family as they explore their options. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the government's commitment to assisting in the matter.

 

The decision from the Yemeni President has shocked Priya's family, who have been actively seeking to prevent her execution. Her mother, Prema Kumari, traveled to Sana'a earlier this year and has been negotiating with the victim's family to secure a waiver of the death penalty and arrange for blood money.

 

Nimisha Priya was convicted in 2017 for killing Talal Abdo Mahdi. She was sentenced to death by a Yemeni court in 2018, with her appeal rejected by the Yemeni Supreme Court in 2023. The only hope for her release now lies in obtaining forgiveness from Mahdi's family and tribal leaders.

 

Reports indicate that negotiations for blood money have stalled due to a demand from Abdullah Ameer, the lawyer appointed by the Indian Embassy, who requested a pre-negotiation fee of $20,000. Although MEA had previously provided nearly $20,000 to Ameer, he insisted on a total fee of $40,000 before resuming discussions.

 

Nimisha Priya, originally from Palakkad, Kerala, moved to Yemen in 2011 and worked as a nurse. She formed a partnership with Mahdi to establish a clinic in Sana'a but later accused him of abuse and manipulation. She alleged that he seized her passport and misrepresented himself as her husband to Yemeni authorities. In July 2017, after enduring years of harassment, she attempted to sedate Mahdi to retrieve her passport; however, he died from an overdose.

 

Despite her family's ongoing efforts and support from the Indian government, Priya's situation remains critical as they navigate the complex legal landscape in Yemen.