Blood Money emerges as the final hope for the family of Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse sentenced to death in Yemen. Her husband, Tomy Thomas, has made an impassioned appeal to connect with the family of the victim, Talal Abdo Mahdi, to negotiate a resolution. Nimisha has been imprisoned since 2017, and her death sentence, upheld by Yemeni courts, now awaits execution.
Yemeni President Upholds Death Sentence
The Yemeni Supreme Judicial Council confirmed the death penalty in November 2023, and President Rashad al-Alimi ratified the decision in December. The family of Nimisha Priya has been relentless in their efforts to secure her pardon, relying on legal appeals and humanitarian interventions.
Tomy Thomas expressed his determination despite limited resources: “We are ready to offer diya (blood money) in return for the life of my wife. The time is ticking, but we believe our pleas to Mahdi’s family will be heard.”
A Family Torn Apart
Nimisha’s daughter, now 13, has grown up without her mother. Tomy recounted the emotional toll: “Our child was just two when this happened. She has only seen her mother’s photographs and speaks to her over video calls. She longs for her mother’s love and support.”
Financial struggles compound the family’s distress. “I work as a daily wage laborer and autorickshaw driver to make ends meet. We’ve sold our home and incurred a debt of ₹60 lakh. Despite everything, I’m hopeful,” Tomy added.
International and Government Support
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has acknowledged the case, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating, “The government is extending all possible help.” Meanwhile, international organizations, including Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, have been advocating for her release.
Prema Kumari, Nimisha’s mother, has been in Yemen since early 2024, negotiating the payment of blood money with Mahdi’s family. However, geopolitical challenges, including conflicts in Yemen and Israel, have delayed progress.
Timeline of Events
- 2015: The family took a loan to establish a clinic.
- 2017: Nimisha was imprisoned, accused of murdering Mahdi.
- 2020: Trial court sentenced her to death.
- 2023: Yemeni Supreme Judicial Council upheld the verdict.
- 2024: Negotiations for blood money commenced.
The Role of Blood Money in Yemeni Law
Blood money, or diya, is a legal mechanism under Sharia law that allows families of victims to accept financial compensation in lieu of capital punishment. This ancient tradition has saved lives in the past but requires consent from the victim’s family.
Plea to Mahdi’s Family
Tomy and the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council are urging Mahdi’s family to accept blood money and grant forgiveness. Despite setbacks, they remain hopeful.
“Our discussions have only recently begun. We have yet to speak directly with Mahdi’s family,” said Tomy. The family is rallying global support to amplify their appeal.
The clock is ticking for Nimisha Priya, but her family’s unwavering hope and the potential for reconciliation through blood money offer a glimmer of hope in this harrowing saga.