The Sudan
government has finally taken a dramatic U-turn over the death sentence handed
to bride Meriam Ibrahim, which had been described as ‘barbaric’ by Prime Minister
David Cameron.
Abdullahi
Alzareg, an under-secretary at the Sudanese foreign ministry, said the country
was committed to protecting the woman and would guarantee her religious freedoms.
Earlier, Mr
Cameron had criticised the treatment of Ms Ibrahim after she was sentenced to
death for marrying a Christian man.
The prime
minister joined Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg and Labour leader Ed
Miliband, as well as former PM Tony Blair, in condemning the treatment of the
27-year-old - who was forced to give birth with her legs shackled in her cell
this week.
Mr Cameron
told The Times he was ‘absolutely appalled’ when he heard the news.
‘The way she
is being treated is barbaric and has no place in today’s world,’ the Tory
leader said.
‘Religious
freedom is an absolute, fundamental human right.
‘I urge the
government of Sudan to overturn the sentence and immediately provide
appropriate support and medical care for her and her children.’
David
Cameron has joined other party leaders in condemning the treatment of Meriam
(Picture: Getty Images)
Ms Ibrahim,
who was raised a Christian by her mother, was ordered to renounce her faith by
a Sudanese court this week on the grounds that her father was a Muslim –
something she refused to do.
The court
further ruled that her marriage to a Christian man should be annulled and
sentenced her to 100 lashes for adultery and death by hanging.
Sex outside
a ‘lawful relationship’ is seen as adultery under Sudanese law.
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