MP John Brittas Urges EAM S. Jaishankar to Intervene in Yemen Nurse Nimisha Priya’s Imminent Execution
In a heartfelt appeal reflecting both humanitarian urgency and diplomatic responsibility, #RajyaSabha MP and CPI(M) leader #JohnBrittas has written to #ExternalAffairsMinister #SJaishankar, calling for immediate diplomatic intervention to halt the scheduled execution of Indian national #NimishaPriya, a nurse from Kerala, currently on death row in #Yemen.
Brittas’s letter, sent on Wednesday, pleads for urgent governmental action to save Priya’s life, as the execution is reportedly set for July 16, 2025.
His appeal underscores the emotional and ethical weight of the case, particularly as the execution date rapidly approaches. #SaveNimishaPriya #DeathPenalty #IndiaYemenTies
“I write with a heavy heart and a deep sense of urgency regarding the imminent execution of Smt. Nimisha Priya… The distressing news has caused widespread anxiety and anguish among her family and well-wishers,” Brittas wrote.
Conviction and Humanitarian Backdrop
#NimishaPriya, a trained nurse from Kerala, moved to Yemen for work and was later convicted in 2018 for the murder of her Yemeni employer, Talal Abdo Mahdi.
According to her version of events, Mahdi had allegedly confiscated her passport, subjected her to abuse, and prevented her from returning to India.
To escape, Nimisha reportedly attempted to sedate him to retrieve her passport. Tragically, the attempt led to his death due to an overdose, after which she and an accomplice disposed of his body.
She was subsequently arrested, tried, and sentenced to death under Yemeni law. #WomensRights #HumanRights #JusticeForNimisha
A Plea for Diplomatic Intervention Through ‘Diya’
For over two years, the #SaveNimishaPriya International Action Council, a coalition of supporters and activists, has been urging the Indian government to facilitate a resolution under Yemen’s tribal justice system, which permits ‘diya’ or blood money as a path to pardon in capital punishment cases.
In his letter, #JohnBrittas reiterated that the Action Council is willing to bear the entire financial burden, and has already transferred an initial tranche of $40,000 to the #MinistryOfExternalAffairs.
However, he highlighted the lack of follow-up from the government on the next steps, including determining the full amount of diya or initiating negotiations with the deceased’s family. #DiyaJustice #IndiaAbroad #DiasporaProtection
“What they have sought from the Government is not financial assistance, but facilitation—to identify the stakeholders in Yemen, initiate communication with the tribal elders and the deceased’s family, and determine the diya amount to enable timely payment,” Brittas stated.
Inconsistencies in Government Stand and Missed Opportunities
Brittas expressed concern over the government’s contradictory statements on the floor of Parliament.
While #EAMJaishankar had earlier assured the Rajya Sabha in 2022 that “the welfare of Indians abroad is of the highest priority”, and that the government was exploring tribal customs for relief, a more recent written reply in February 2025 suggested that “the matter was between the two families”, implying limited governmental involvement.
“This abrupt shifting of responsibility onto a distressed and financially fragile family, without proactive governmental facilitation, stands in stark contrast to earlier assurances,” Brittas wrote, accusing the government of backtracking on its commitments.
He added that he had already raised these inconsistencies on the floor of the Rajya Sabha during the 2025 Budget Session, but no corrective steps were taken. #Parliament #Accountability #MEADiplomacy
Race Against Time: Only Days Left
With barely days remaining before the scheduled execution, Brittas appealed for immediate diplomatic engagement at the highest level with Yemeni authorities.
“I fervently appeal to your good self to personally intervene with the authorities in Yemen to secure a stay on the execution and facilitate negotiations under tribal customs.
The Action Council stands ready—what is needed is only the government’s will and diplomatic mediation,” the letter implored.
Brittas emphasized that valuable time has already been lost, and that unless urgent steps are taken, India risks losing one of its citizens in what many believe to be a case where mercy and mediation could yield a different outcome. #LastChance #DiplomaticIntervention #UrgentAppeal
A Broader Appeal for Government Accountability
This case is not only about Nimisha Priya, Brittas argues, but also about how the Indian state upholds the rights, dignity, and protection of its citizens abroad, especially when they are vulnerable, isolated, and facing extreme legal jeopardy.
“We are not asking for clemency without basis—we are asking the Indian government to do what any nation would do: negotiate, mediate, and protect the rights of its people,” said a representative of the Action Council.
