In a desperate bid to save Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya from execution in Yemen, her family has offered $1 million (approximately ₹8.6 crore) as "blood money" to the victim’s family, with just three days left before her scheduled execution.

Priya, a 38-year-old from Palakkad, was convicted in 2017 for the murder of her Yemeni business partner. Her death sentence was upheld in 2020, and her final appeal was rejected in 2023.

Under Islamic Sharia law, "blood money" or diyya is a financial compensation paid by the accused to the victim’s family in cases of serious crimes like murder. Rooted in the principles of retribution and restoring social balance, diyya aims to halt cycles of retaliatory violence, as noted by legal scholar Tellenbach. Countries like Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE regulate diyya under Islamic legal frameworks, such as the Hanbali and Shafi’i schools.

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The compensation amount often varies based on the victim’s nationality, gender, or religion. However, accepting diyya does not always absolve the accused, as states may impose additional penalties like fines to maintain order.

In Yemen, Priya’s fate hinges on whether the victim’s family accepts the offered sum. Meanwhile, a plea filed with India’s Supreme Court urges diplomatic intervention to secure clemency.

On July 16, a bench led by Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi scheduled a hearing for July 14, following advocate Subhash Chandran KR’s argument that the victim’s family might forgive Priya if diyya is paid.

As the clock ticks, Priya’s case highlights the complexities of diyya and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to save her life, raising questions about justice, mercy, and cultural legal practices.

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