Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for urgent intervention to save Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala who is facing execution in Yemen.
In a post on X, Vijayan wrote: “Wrote to Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji urging urgent intervention to secure the release of Nimisha Priya, who remains imprisoned in Yemen. The Govt of Kerala stands firmly with all those working towards her exoneration and safe return.”
In his letter to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister referenced an earlier communication with the External Affairs Ministry, expressing grave concern over reports that Priya’s execution is scheduled for July 16, 2025.
“Considering the fact that this is a case deserving sympathy, I appeal to the Hon’ble Prime Minister to take up the matter and intervene with the authorities concerned to save the life of Nimisha Priya,” the letter read.
The 37-year-old nurse, convicted of killing a Yemeni national, has had her death sentence upheld by Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023.
On Monday, the Supreme Court of India also heard a petition requesting the government to step in. Priya’s legal counsel argued that her only chance for survival lies in negotiating a blood money settlement with the victim’s family.
Attorney General of India (AGI) informed the court that the Indian government is actively communicating with Yemeni officials, including the public prosecutor, in hopes of securing a suspension of the execution to allow further negotiations.
However, the AGI acknowledged the legal limitations, calling the situation “very complex.”
Justice Sandeep Mehta, while hearing the plea, expressed concern over the looming execution, calling it “very unfortunate” if carried out. The Supreme Court scheduled the next hearing for Friday, July 18.
The case has sparked widespread attention in India, with growing calls for diplomatic efforts to save Priya’s life.