Christian Mother Sentenced To Death in Sudan

Meriam Yahia Ibrahim, a Christian woman has been sentenced to 100 lashes and death for committing apostasy and adultery. She is currently pregnant with a second child. Her husband, who is currently bound to a wheelchair, expressed that all his hope lies in his prayers to God. Both the convicted mother and the husband have a long legal battle ahead.

Their lawyer, Mohammad Jar Elnabi announced that he is planning to file an appeal application very soon. Meriam is currently pregnant with a 20-month-old son.

Meriam Yahia Ibrahim was convicted on the 30th of April, and was given three days to recant her Christian faith on the 11th of May. Judge Abaas Al Khalifa, told her that she had been sentenced to be hanged until she dies, after she refused to give up her Christian faith on Thursday.

Meriam was born from a Sudanese Muslim father, and an Ethiopian Orthodox mother. Her father left his daughter when she was only years old, and she was raised by her mother. However, because of her father she was categorized as Muslim, even though her mother was a Christian. Islamic law however, considered Meriam's relationship with her husband to be illicit.

"I am very much optimistic that the appeal court will reverse the death sentence issued by the primary court," the lawyer told CNN. The Sudanese constitution provides for religious conversion without restriction, he added. Meanwhile, Ibrahim remains strong. "She is very strong and very firm. She is very clear that she is a Christian and that she will get out one day," the lawyer said.

However, the religious atmosphere in Sudan is harsh toward Meriam and her husband Daniel Wani. Daniel is highly dependent on his wife because he is often sick from lack of hygiene and bugs.