WASHINGTON – The U.S. State Department is confirming for the first time that the husband of a Sudanese Christian woman facing execution for refusing to renounce her faith is an American citizen.
Meriam Ibrahim is jailed in Sudan with her toddler son and a daughter who was born last week.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki confirmed Monday that Ibrahim’s Christian husband, Daniel Wani, is an American. But she said U.S. officials don’t have enough information to say if the children can be considered Americans. Psaki said that might be established through genetic testing, but she wouldn’t confirm reports that Wani had been asked to provide DNA proof that he’s the father.
The condemned woman’s father is Muslim, so Sudan considers her a Muslim even though she was raised by her Christian mother. The Islamic regime also refuses to recognize her marriage to Wani and has sentenced her to be whipped for adultery.
Her hanging was delayed until the birth of her child, and could remain postponed until the baby is weaned.
