A Sudanese woman condemned to death earlier this month for converting to Christianity has given birth in prison.
Meriam Yehya Ibrahim, 27, was sentenced to death by hanging for marrying a Christian man.
Ibrahim’s father was Muslim, but due to his absence she was raised according to the religion of her mother, an Orthodox Christian.
She has also been sentenced to receive 100 lashes, to be delivered after she has given birth, for committing adultery.
According to Sharia law, any marriage between a Muslim woman and a non-Muslim man is considered null and void.
Upon receiving her sentence, she told the judge she “was never a Muslim” and had been “raised a Christian from the start.”
Ibrahim will be permitted to nurse her newborn daughter, named Maya, until she is two years old. Since February, her son Martin, who is less than two years old, has been detained with her.
The Churches in Sudan have released a joint statement decrying Ibrahim’s sentencing.
Deputy Secretary General of the Conference Bishops of Sudan, Fr. Boutros Trille Kuku, told AMECEA Online News that he has called on the authorities to review the case and release her.
