Fake accounts seek donations in Nimisha Priya case; MEA issues clarification
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has categorically dismissed claims circulating on social media regarding monetary contributions being sought into a Government of India-designated bank account in connection with the case of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse facing the death penalty in Yemen.
In a post on X, the official MEA FactCheck account stated: “We have seen claims being made on social media seeking monetary contributions into a GoI designated bank account in the Nimisha Priya case. This is a fake claim.”
A post that had been widely shared online urged the public to donate directly to what it alleged was a government account to raise funds for the case. The MEA has clarified that such appeals are false and has advised people not to engage with or promote them.
The ministry has previously confirmed that Nimisha Priya’s execution--originally scheduled for 16 July--has been postponed, attributing the development to sustained diplomatic interventions and negotiations. It has also urged the public and media to refrain from spreading unverified reports related to the case.
During a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the situation as "sensitive" and reiterated that the Indian government is providing all possible assistance to Priya and her family.
"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," Jaiswal said in response to a query from ANI.
He further clarified that reports suggesting Priya's death sentence had been overturned were inaccurate. "We are also in touch with some friendly governments on the issue... Reports claiming that there have been certain developments are incorrect. Please wait for an update from us. We urge all sides to stay away from misinformation," he added.
Who is Nimisha Priya?
Nimisha Priya, a 37-year-old nurse from Kerala, was convicted in 2017 for the murder of her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi. In 2020, she was sentenced to death, a verdict upheld by Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023.
On 17 July, Jaiswal noted that the Indian government had appointed legal representation to assist Priya’s family in navigating the complex legal landscape governed by Yemen’s Sharia law. The government is also facilitating regular consular access and maintaining communication with Yemeni authorities and allied nations in pursuit of a favourable resolution.
"The Government of India has been extending all possible legal and consular support, including trying to secure more time for the family to reach a mutually agreeable resolution with the other party," Jaiswal said.
Nimisha Priya’s family, along with several rights organisations, continues to appeal for clemency through legal and diplomatic avenues.