She was welcomed by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, according to several news media, including Berlingske and The Telegraph. Before she could travel to Italy today, the US Embassy in Sudan had been a safe haven for Meiram and her family since June 26.
Sentenced to death for apostasy from Islam
Before she reached the safety of the US embassy, she and her family had been through a very turbulent time. On May 15, 2014, Meriam was sentenced to death by a Sharia court. She was initially found guilty of apostasy from Islam, as she is Christian but from a Muslim background. The Sharia court observed her background as Muslim despite being raised by her mother, who is Christian. Her father is Muslim, but her father left the family when she was six years old.
Secondly, she was found guilty of adultery as she is married to a Christian. According to Islamic law, it is forbidden for a Muslim woman to marry a Christian, which is why Meriam's marriage is invalid in the eyes of the government.
Girl born in prison - in shackles
On May 27, she gave birth to a baby girl in prison in shackles. Meriam is a doctor and made the prison staff aware that her lack of freedom of movement as a mother could harm the child. It seems that the girl, Maya, has suffered harm due to the difficult conditions Sudanese authorities offered the mother to give birth in.
Released - detained - released
On June 23, Meriam was released after Sudan's Supreme Court granted her appeal against the death sentence handed down by the Sharia court. She was only allowed to enjoy her freedom for about 24 hours before Sudan's powerful intelligence service detained her and her family at the airport on June 24 and questioned the validity of Meriam's visa.
Two days later, on June 26th, Meriam and her family were released and returned to the safety of the US Embassy in Sudan.
We must thank God that the case has ended well and Meriam and her family are now in Italy. Let us also pray for their recovery and that God will be close to them with His peace and blessing in the days to come. Thank you for standing with Meriam in prayer during the difficult time she and her family went through.
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