In a significant development in the case of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, who is on death row in Yemen, a glimmer of hope has emerged. Iran has reached out to the family of the slain Yemeni man, Abdullatif al-Mahdi, whose death was a key factor in Nimisha Priya’s conviction. Iran has shown willingness to work towards her release, exploring the possibility of resolving the case by offering “blood money” to the victim’s family.
A senior Iranian official had expressed a desire to assist in the matter, facilitating discussions that may allow the family to forgive the accused, paving the way for Nimisha Priya’s potential release. “Blood money” is a traditional practice in some countries where the family of a deceased person accepts financial compensation in exchange for pardoning the accused.
The Iranian government has been instrumental in facilitating communication between the Yemeni family and Nimisha Priya’s relatives. Financial arrangements are reportedly being organized, with discussions involving a sum of money, approximately INR 30 lakh, to be paid as part of the reconciliation process.
This breakthrough has raised new hopes for the nurse’s release, with the Indian government actively monitoring the situation and working with international bodies. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has assured that all possible diplomatic avenues will be explored to bring her back safely.
The case has drawn significant attention in India, as Nimisha Priya, a 37-year-old nurse from Kerala, was sentenced to death by a Yemeni court after being convicted of charges related to the killing of her employer. Her family and supporters have long maintained her innocence.
As the talks progress, the international community and her loved ones are eagerly awaiting a resolution that could see the nurse freed from her death sentence.
