Kolkata: Since the execution of Nimisha Priya, the nurse from Kerala, is just around the corner, a crucial meeting is being held in Yemen to discuss her release. Notably, renowned Sufi scholar Sheikh Habib Umar is playing the key role in the meeting. Representatives of the Yemeni government will attend it, the Judge of the country’s Supreme Court, and the brother of the deceased, Talal Abdo Mahdi, whom Nimisha and her aide have allegedly murdered.
The Nimisha Priya International Action Council made a request, following which Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar intervened and facilitated talks with government representatives in Yemen through Sheikh Habib Umar. In the negotiations, the demands for pardon and commutation of the death sentence were presented in exchange for “blood money”, and the family is expected to make a favourable decision.
Who is Nimisha Priya?
Nimisha Priya is a 37-year-old nurse from Kerala’s Palakkad who has been imprisoned in Yemen since 2017 for the alleged murder of her local business partner, Talal, with the help of another nurse. While her death sentence has been upheld, the chance of clemency through “diya” or blood money, a form of compensation to the victim’s family, is still there.
Dinesh Nair, a member of Nimisha Priya International Action Council’s core committee, who has worked very hard for her release, said, “We are hopeful that these efforts will bear fruit and Nimisha Priya will be released. Given Yemen’s complex political situation, this initiative is seen as a practical approach to secure Nimisha Priya’s release.”
He added that efforts are being made to save her life by paying “blood money” to the family of the deceased Yemeni citizens. So far, several members have joined to save her and have pledged to donate to the rescue fund. Also, discussions are being expedited in Yemen to facilitate talks with tribal leaders and the family members of the deceased.
Nair, who is the global secretary general of the World Malayali Council, also said that confidence is high that the Malayali community will come together to support Nimisha Priya’s rescue efforts. The Legal Aid Committee Trust has expressed willingness to help secure her release and plans to hand over the remaining amount collected for Abdul Raheem’s release to support Nimisha Priya’s case.
The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that it has done all it can under current diplomatic constraints to save Nimisha Priya. Attorney General R Venkataramani said, “It is unfortunate… There is a point till which we can go. We have reached it.” The government has offered to facilitate negotiations for “blood money” with the victim’s family, but the family has refused, citing it as a question of honour. The family of Talal Abdo Mehdi has been offered Rs 8.6 crore as “blood money”. However, the family is yet to accept the offer.
