Nimisha Priya’s execution postponed in Yemen, Indian nurse's family can now appeal local authorities

Nimisha Priya

Yemeni officials have postponed the execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya. Sources quoted by news agency ANI said that the Indian government officials are in touch with the Yemini authorities. “Despite the sensitivities involved, Indian officials have been in regular touch with the local jail authorities and the prosecutor’s office, leading to securing this postponement,” sources told news agency. Earlier reports had said that the Yemeni man's family was offered Rs 8.5 crore. But the family has not accepted the ‘blood money.’ The Indian nurse was scheduled to be executed tomorrow i.e. July 16.

What is Nimisha Priya case?

Back in 2008, the Indian nurse moved to Yemen looking for a better job opportunity. She started her own clinic after working in several hospitals for many years. And as per to local norms, she also took on a Yemini resident as business partner.

But later, the business ties soured as Priya claimed that Talal Abdo Mehdi used to steal money from her. He also took her passport, so she was forced to work in Yemen. In 2017, the nurse administered an injection to sedate him. She said that she wanted to have some time to look for her passport and escape. But her business partner died, and later local officials arrested her while attempting to fly out of Yemen.

What happened in Supreme Court? 

On Monday, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta heard a plea by the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council. The petition sought the top court's intervention to direct the central government to assist in the negotiations via diplomatic channels. Attorney-General R Venkataramani, appearing for the Centre, told the apex court that 'there’s nothing much the government can do… looking at the sensitivity of Yemen…'

However, the Centre did say that efforts were on to stop the nurse's execution. The government had told the top court that the public prosecutor involved has been reached out to and Indian officials have "got involved with a Sheikh (who is) influential there".