The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday issued a strong warning against fraudulent claims circulating on social media. The claims solicit monetary contributions for the Nimisha Priya case into a bank account allegedly designated by the Government of India.
In a post on its official X account, MEA FactCheck labelled the claims as "fake". The post specifically addressed an online appeal urging people to donate directly to what it claimed was a government account to raise funds for Priya’s case. The MEA clarified that such claims are false and advised the public not to engage with them.
The ministry had previously confirmed that the execution of Indian national Nimisha Priya in Yemen had been postponed. At the time, it had also appealed to the public and media to avoid unverified reports.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the government is providing all possible assistance to Priya and her family, working closely with local authorities and friendly governments to resolve the issue.
Also read: Talal's brother seeks fresh execution date for Nimisha Priya
During the weekly briefing, Jaiswal responded to a question, saying, "This is a sensitive matter. The Government of India has been extending all possible assistance in the case. As a result of our concerted efforts, the sentencing has been postponed. We continue to follow the matter closely and provide all possible assistance.”
The execution, initially scheduled for July 16, was postponed following diplomatic interventions and negotiations led by the Indian government. He, further, said that reports claiming her death sentence is overturned were incorrect.
"We are also in touch with some friendly governments on the issue. Please wait for an update from us. We urge all sides to stay away from misinformation," he added.
Nimisha Priya, a 37-year-old nurse from Kerala, was convicted of murdering her business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2017. She was sentenced to death in 2020, with Yemen’s Supreme Judicial Council upholding the verdict in November 2023.
Jaiswal on July 17 had confirmed that the Indian government had appointed a lawyer to assist Priya’s family in navigating Yemen’s complex Sharia law. The government has also arranged regular consular visits and is continuing to engage with local authorities and other nations to find a favourable solution.
Jaiswal added that the Government of India has been "extending all possible legal and consular support." This includes attempting to secure more time for the family to reach a "mutually agreeable resolution with the other party." Priya's family and various organisations have been seeking clemency for her through diplomatic and legal channels.
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