Yemen Embassy clarifies Indian Nurse Nimisha Priya's Death Sentence not ratified

The Yemen Embassy in New Delhi has clarified that the death sentence handed down to Indian nurse Nimisha Priya by a Yemeni court has not been ratified by Yemen’s President Rashad al-Alimi. This clarification comes after the 37-year-old nurse from Kerala, who was convicted of murdering a Yemeni citizen in 2017, became the subject of international attention.

Nimisha Priya, a resident of Kerala’s Palakkad district, was sentenced to death by a Yemeni court for the killing of a Yemeni man named Mehdi in July 2017. Since her conviction, Priya has been imprisoned in Sana’a, Yemen's capital, which is currently under the control of the Iran-backed Houthi militants. According to embassy officials, the case was exclusively handled by the Houthi militias, meaning it has not yet received approval from Yemen’s President al-Alimi or the Presidential Leadership Council.

The situation surrounding Priya’s case has sparked significant concern, as her family maintains that the victim, Mehdi, subjected her to prolonged physical and psychological abuse, including torturing her and withholding her passport, thus limiting her freedom. These allegations have become central to the family’s defense.

The Indian government has been closely monitoring the case, with officials continuing to advocate for Priya’s release. The clarification from the Yemen Embassy has brought a ray of hope to Priya’s family and supporters, who have tirelessly campaigned for her release, citing the questionable nature of the conviction. Although the death sentence has not been ratified, the family and the Indian government are continuing their efforts to secure Priya’s freedom.

As the case unfolds, it remains a matter of significant international concern, with both the Indian government and the public continuing to watch closely. The focus is now on ensuring justice for Priya, while diplomatic efforts persist to resolve the case.