Landrieu: Ibrahim's Release a Victory for Religious Freedom

Press Release

The U.S. State Department today confirmed that Meriam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag, a Sudanese Christian woman who was sentenced to death for refusing to recant her Christian faith, was released from prison today. U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., had called for Ms. Ibrahim's release and the protection of her family, along with condemning the Sudanese government of religious discrimination.

Last month, Ms. Ibrahim was arrested and sentenced to death after marrying a Christian man and refusing to renounce her affiliation to Christianity. She gave birth to a baby daughter while in prison.

"Ms. Ibrahim's release is great news for her and her family and for everyone who believes in freedom of religion. As a mother and as a Christian, I admire Meriam for steadfastly holding to her faith and remaining incredibly brave during her imprisonment," said Sen. Landrieu. "We too often take for granted the blessing to live in a country like the United States that protects everyone's right to religious freedom. While today's verdict is an incredible relief, we still have a long way to go to ensure everyone across the world can live out their faith freely without fear of persecution."

Earlier this month, the Senate passed a resolution, co-sponsored by Landrieu that condemned the charges against Ms. Ibrahim and called on the U.S. State Department to pursue her release. The resolution reaffirms Congress' commitment to upholding everyone's right to religious freedom and ending religious discrimination around the world, and additionally calls for the inclusion of respect for international human rights and religious freedom during the drafting of Sudan's new constitution.

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