Indian nurse faces execution in Yemen for murder of business partner

In Yemen, an Indian nurse named Nimisha Priya is facing execution after being convicted of murdering her business partner, Talal Abdo Mehdi. The incident occurred in 2017 when Priya, who was previously working with Mehdi at a clinic in Sanaa, injected him with sedatives while attempting to retrieve her confiscated passport. This action led to his untimely death, resulting in her conviction and sentencing to death in 2020. Despite her conviction, Priya's circumstances have raised concerns regarding potential abuse she suffered while in Yemen. Priya, originally from Kerala, India, moved to Yemen in 2008 and opened a clinic with Mehdi, which was in accordance with local laws mandating partnerships between foreign entrepreneurs and local nationals. Over the years, her family has claimed that she experienced mental, physical, and financial abuse from Mehdi, particularly following his release from jail. This unfortunate situation has highlighted issues surrounding foreign workers' rights and the potential for exploitation in Yemen, where legal protections are limited. In response to the impending execution, Samuel Jerome Baskaran, a social worker advocating for Priya, has been actively negotiating with Yemeni officials and Mehdi's family to find a way to prevent the execution scheduled for July 16. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by the Indian foreign ministry and the local government, options remain limited due to the political situation in Yemen, particularly with the Houthis controlling most of the country. Priya's mother, Prema Kumari, has traveled to Yemen to advocate for her daughter, expressing gratitude for the assistance received but emphasizing the urgency of the situation as time is running out. As the July 16 execution date approaches, Indian officials continue to explore diplomatic solutions, but the situation remains precarious due to the complexities of Yemen's legal and political environment. Advocates are concerned about the lack of action and the need for immediate intervention to save Priya's life. The unfolding events reflect broader challenges facing individuals caught in legal systems outside their home countries and the urgent need for international support in similar situations.