LONDON – British Prime Minister David Cameron and former leader Tony Blair have urged Sudan’s government to lift the death sentence imposed on a Christian woman who refused to renounce her faith.
Cameron said the treatment of 27-year-old Meriam Ibrahim “is barbaric and has no place in today’s world.” Blair called it a “brutal and sickening distortion of faith.”
Ibrahim, whose father was Muslim but who was raised by her Christian mother, was convicted of apostasy for marrying a Christian and was sentenced to hang after being whipped for adultery, since Islamic officials don’t recognize her marriage.
Her husband, Daniel Wani, is in Sudan where he asked that his wife be allowed to give birth to their second child outside of prison. Their toddler son is being held with her.
Wani’s request was denied and Ibrahim gave birth to a daughter behind bars last week. Speaking Arabic, a relieved Wani said, “God allowed this to happen without a problem.” But he continues to appeal for the lifting of her death sentence so she can be freed and their family can be united.