US Representative Frank Wolf, co-chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and a longtime advocate for the people of Sudan and South Sudan, today delivered the following remarks on the House floor in defense of Meriam Ibrahim, the Sudanese woman sentenced to death after refusing to recant her Christian faith:
“It is 7 p.m. in Khartoum, and a young, frightened Sudanese woman is shackled in a prison cell for refusing to renounce her Christian faith. Her husband, an American citizen, is seeking to draw attention to her plight and that of her 18-month old son who languishes in jail with her.
“Meriam Ibrahim is eight months pregnant and her draconian sentence of death by hanging is being delayed until she gives birth. The clock is ticking.
“Congressman Trent Franks has sought to shine a bright light on this injustice. Today we join Senators Blunt and Ayotte in urging Secretary of State John Kerry to provide political asylum to Meriam.
“The administration must urgently act to save this innocent woman’s life. President Obama should immediately appeal for her release and offer safe haven.»
