The Nimisha Priya case is a high-profile incident involving an Indian nurse from the southern state of Kerala. She has been sentenced to death for the murder of a Yemeni national named Talal Abdo Mahdi.

In a recent development in the case, a senior Iranian officer was ready to take up the case of Nimisha Priya, who has been imprisoned since 2017. We are ready to do whatever we can as it involves a humanitarian issue, he stated while speaking on the condition of anonymity. Iran-backed Houthi rebels control large parts of Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa.

Notably, this statement came following Yemens President, Rashad al-Alimis decision to uphold the death sentence of Nimisha, who has been in jail since 2017. India said that it was in touch with her family members and was extending all possible help to them to explore legal options.

Irans offer to support the release of the Indian nurse came ahead of bilateral talks with India. The latest bilateral talks between India and Iran were scheduled to be held on January 2 and 3, 2024. Irans foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, visited New Delhi to discuss enhancing trade, connectivity, and security issues with Indian officials.

Iranian Foreign Ministry to Intervene in the Matter

Earlier this week, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, We are aware of the sentencing of Ms. Nimisha Priya in Yemen. We understand that the family of Ms. Priya is exploring relevant options. The government is extending all possible help in the matter.”

Iran extended its helping hand while citing its strong diplomatic ties with Yemen, enabling Iran to intervene. Iran had proposed initiating discussions with the Yemeni government and Kerala authorities over the matter. They are also hopeful that the issue would be discussed in the meeting.

Story of Nimisha Priya

This is to be noted that Nimisha moved to Yemen in 2008 with her husband, Tommy Thomas, to work as a nurse. She later partnered with Mahdi to open a clinic due to Yemeni laws requiring foreign nationals to have a local partner for business ventures. However, her relationship with Mahadi involved abuse and torture, taking her passport, and falsely claiming that they were married. This persuaded her to kill him. Meanwhile, efforts are being made since then to save Priyas life. These include raising funds for blood money, which under the Yemeni law could lead to a pardon from the victims family.

Nimishas family and supporters were also trying to negotiate with Mahadis family to resolve the matter. However, the deceased family has refused to accept any kind of blood money or settlement in the case. The Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council and the Indian embassy are working together to negotiate with Mahdi’s family and the area’s tribal chief.

Nimisha Priyas Husband Hopes for Last-Minute Pardon

Meanwhile, Nimishas husband, Tomy Thomas, is looking out for a last-minute pardon after Yemens president confirmed her death sentence.

“We haven’t slept since the presidential order and continue to pray. We are told the death sentence will be executed within a month of the president’s sanction…I can’t imagine life without her (Nimisha), he added.

Additionally, Tomy is an auto-rickshaw driver in Yemen. The couple also have a daughter. Tomy claimed that Nimishas move to kill Mahadi was in her defense after being allegedly tortured by Mahadi. She was convicted and sentenced to death in 2018, following the courts verdict.