With the clock ticking down to July 16, the family of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who faces execution in Yemen, has made a last-ditch offer of $1 million (₹8.6 crore) in ‘blood money’ (diya) to the family of the Yemeni man she was convicted of killing. The negotiations are being led in Sana’a by Samuel Jerome, the family’s legal representative, as part of an urgent attempt to secure a pardon under Yemeni Sharia law—which permits the victim’s kin to halt an execution by accepting compensation.
Activists say this is Nimisha’s only hope, with all legal options exhausted following the rejection of her final appeal in November 2023. Nimisha, 38, who has been on death row since 2018, is currently serving as a medical caregiver in prison.
Human rights campaigner Babu John confirmed the family’s readiness to transfer the full amount immediately if the victim’s family agrees. “We are prepared—money or not—to do everything possible to save her life,” he said.
The case has drawn nationwide attention in India, with politicians including Mehbooba Mufti urging the Indian government to intervene diplomatically and rallying women to help raise the funds.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear an urgent petition on July 14, international and domestic pressure is mounting. All eyes are now on the victim’s family—whose decision in the coming hours may decide whether Nimisha lives or dies.
