The Claim
Did the MEA Ask for Donations to Save Nimisha Priya.
The Fact
This is a fake claim. The viral appeals asking for donations to a “Government of India account” for Nimisha Priya are completely false.
Synopsis
When emotions run high, misinformation spreads faster than the truth. The case of Nimisha Priya, the Indian nurse on death row in Yemen, is already sensitive. But now, fake fundraising appeals are adding another layer of confusion. The message was clear: donate, and you help save her life. But was this ever true?
What Factcheck India Found?
Social media posts, including one by evangelist Dr. KA Paul, claimed that the Government of India had created an official bank account to raise money for “Save Nimisha.” These posts even carried transaction details and asked for contributions amounting to ₹8.3 crore. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) itself has debunked these claims. From its official handle MEA FactCheck, the ministry declared:
“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.” No official bank account. No government-backed fundraising. Nothing of the sort exists.
What is the Context?
- Who is Nimisha Priya?
- A 38-year-old nurse from Kerala’s Palakkad district.
- Convicted in 2017 for the murder of Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi.
- Sentenced to death in 2020, with her final appeal rejected in 2023.
- Her execution, scheduled for July 2024, was postponed after India’s intervention.
- India’s role so far
The MEA has confirmed that India is pursuing the case through diplomatic channels, engaging with Yemeni authorities and other governments to find a mutually acceptable solution.
The Verdict
The viral social media posts appeals asking for donations to a “Government of India account” for Nimisha Priya are completely false. The MEA has not launched any such initiative. If you want to help, don’t fall for fakes. Trust only official updates from the MEA. Stay vigilant and stay alert with factcheck India.