Sudan death row woman freed

#915 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 29 Jun 2014.

Human rights agency Release International has warned that Sudanese woman Meriam Ibrahim remains at risk from Islamist vigilantes, with religious persecution worsening in Sudan and freedom of religion not guaranteed under the country’s new constitution.

The 27-year-old Ms Ibrahim, whose father was Muslim and who was raised as a Christian by her mother, came to the world’s attention last month when she was sentenced to 100 lashes followed by execution by hanging for allegedly changing her faith.  She was forced to give birth in shackles in prison.

Ms Ibrahim was released after an appeal court annulled the death sentence, and was briefly detained at Khartoum airport as she sought to leave the country.

Her case highlights the threat that religious freedom is under in parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.  The international community must stand with all those who are persecuted for their religious beliefs.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.