The execution of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse convicted of murdering her Yemeni employer in 2017, has been temporarily postponed. But the threat of death still looms, as Yemen’s legal framework leaves little room for reprieve unless the victim’s family grants forgiveness. With all legal remedies now exhausted, Priya's fate rests on the narrow possibility of securing clemency through blood money under Islamic law, which the victim’s family has denied to accept.
Nimisha Priya was set to be executed on July 16, after a Yemeni court upheld her death sentence. However, the execution has been delayed following urgent diplomatic and legal interventions. The postponement is temporary and procedural; it does not imply a change in her legal status. The stay allows a small window for renewed efforts by Indian diplomats and NGOs to negotiate with the victim’s family.
Qisas and Diyah: Retaliation and blood money in Islamic law
Yemen’s legal system is based on Islamic Sharia law, particularly its interpretation of qisas (retributive justice) and diyah (blood money). Under qisas, the family of a murder victim can demand the execution of the accused as a form of equal retaliation. Alternatively, they may forgive the accused, either unconditionally or in exchange for diyah – a financial compensation paid by or on behalf of the convict.
In Nimisha Priya’s case, efforts have been ongoing to convince the victim’s family to accept diyah and spare her life. Indian civil society groups, including the “Save Nimisha Priya” campaign, have attempted to raise funds for the blood money. However, the victim’s family has so far refused to engage or negotiate.
Victim’s family refuses mercy
The victim, a Yemeni national named Mohammed Fareed, was reportedly tortured and killed by Nimisha Priya with the assistance of another individual. She allegedly injected him with sedatives in an attempt to retrieve her passport and escape an abusive situation. Yemeni courts found her guilty of premeditated murder, and the Fareed family has firmly declined to offer mercy or accept compensation.
Under Sharia law, the final say in such cases rests with the victim’s family, not the court. The state does not intervene once a death sentence under qisas has been confirmed and all appeals exhausted unless a pardon is granted.
How Yemen carries out executions
Yemen is among the few countries that still carries out public executions by firing squad, a method intended to serve as both punishment and deterrent. Executions are often conducted in public squares, with security personnel shooting the convict, usually in the heart or head.
In rare cases, especially for particularly heinous crimes, beheading or even crucifixion (post-mortem public display of the body) has been used, although these are extremely uncommon in recent years. For a woman, the execution would typically be less public, but no less brutal.
Given that Priya’s case involves a foreign national and is under international scrutiny, the Yemeni government may opt for a less public execution, but it will still be carried out under qisas unless the family intervenes.
All legal options exhausted
Nimisha Priya has run out of judicial remedies. Her death sentence was upheld by Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council, and no further appeals are pending. The only remaining route is to secure a tawassul (reconciliation) with the victim’s family and convince them to grant forgiveness. Without this, her execution can be scheduled at any time.
The Indian government, NGOs, and private citizens are continuing last-ditch efforts to raise funds and request mercy, but with no signs of willingness from the family, the path forward remains grim.
The Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday said that it was extending all possible assistance to Priya’s family amid ongoing efforts to resolve the case.
“The Government of India has been offering all possible assistance. We have provided legal assistance and appointed a lawyer to assist the family. We have also arranged regular consular visits and been in constant touch with the local authorities and family members to resolve,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a press briefing.
“This included concerted efforts in recent days to seek more time for the family of Nimisha Priya to reach a mutually agreeable solution with the other party. The local authorities in Yemen have postponed carrying out her sentence scheduled for July 16, 2025,” he added.
While India cannot interfere in Yemen’s sovereign judicial process, it has offered humanitarian and diplomatic appeals to delay the execution and allow time for negotiations. However, India has also made it clear that without consent from the victim’s family, there is little the government can do under international law.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
