MEA Denies Fake Donation Drive in Nimisha Priya Death Row Case

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that there is no government-run donation campaign for Nimisha Priya, the Indian nurse from Kerala who has been on death row in Yemen since 2020. Priya faces charges of murdering her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in July 2017.

Her execution, initially scheduled for July 16, was delayed following interventions by Indian authorities.

Fake Social Media Campaigns

The MEA's fact-check unit dismissed claims circulating on social media that donations were being collected in a Government of India bank account to save Priya.

"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," the ministry said.

The clarification came after evangelist KA Paul posted on X (formerly Twitter), asking for ₹8.3 crore in contributions to a supposed official account. In July, Paul had also released a video appeal from Sana'a featuring Priya's husband Thomas and daughter Mishel, urging the Houthi administration to show mercy.

Priya's Situation in Yemen

Nimisha Priya is currently lodged in a prison in Sana'a, Yemen's capital, which is under the control of Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The Indian government has been actively engaged in her case, extending legal and diplomatic support where possible.

MEA on Diplomatic Efforts

During a weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said:

"We continue to closely follow the matter and render all possible assistance. We are also in touch with some friendly governments on the issue."

The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to pursuing all diplomatic channels to secure relief for Priya, while urging the public not to fall for misinformation or fake donation campaigns.