Meriam Ibrahim given refuge at US embassy in Sudan; says she will leave future to God

Meriam Ibrahim with her children, Martin and Maya. CNN video screenshot

Meriam Ibrahim and her family have taken refuge at the US embassy in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum following her release on bail.

The Christian Sudanese woman was detained until Thursday by the authorities after being charged with forgery and provision of false documents.

The Sudanese authorities charged Ibrahim after arresting her at the airport as she and her family attempted to leave the country for the US on Monday.

Her detention came just hours after being freed from prison following a judge's decision to drop apostasy and adultery charges against her. 

Ibrahim was sentenced to death for apostasy on May 11 because the state deemed her marriage to a Christian man, Daniel Wani, to be void.

While Ibrahim testified to being a lifelong Christian, the state refused to recognise her faith and insisted she was a Muslim because this was her father's faith. 

Wani, a US citizen, told Agence France-Presse that the family has now sought refuge from the US embassy because of death threats against his wife. 

The Guardian reports that she was released from police custody on the condition that she remains in Sudan.  

Asked by the BBC about her plans following her release on Thursday, Ibrahim said:  "I will leave it to God. I didn't even have a chance to see my family after I got out of prison."

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.