Meriam Yehya Ibrahim death sentence for apostasy 'barbaric', says David Cameron

David Cameron has spoken out against the death sentence handed to Sudanese Christian woman Meriam Yehya Ibrahim for apostasy.

The 27-year-old was heavily pregnant at the time of the sentencing and gave birth to a baby girl last week behind bars.  Also detained with her is her 20-month old son. 

Although she was raised a Christian, her father - who walked out on the family when she was six years old - was a Muslim and for this reason, the Sudanese authorities consider Ibrahim to also be a Muslim. 

Her marriage to a Christian man was deemed invalid by the authorities and she therefore received the additional sentence of 100 lashes for adultery.   

Ibrahim considers herself a Christian and her death sentence was upheld by the court in Khartoum after she refused to recant her faith. 

She is allowed to nurse her baby up to two years, after which the authorities have determined she will be hanged for apostasy. 

Her husband Daniel Wani has been to see Ibrahim in prison and says both mother and daughter are doing well.

According to the BBC, Mr Cameron said he was "appalled" by the sentence and that it had "no place in today's world".

"Religious freedom is an absolute, fundamental human right," he said.

"I urge the government of Sudan to overturn the sentence and immediately provide appropriate support and medical care for her and her children."

Mr Cameron said the UK would continue to press Sudan "to act" as other political leaders spoke out against the sentence.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said it was a "flagrant breach of international human rights" and the freedom to practise one's religion, while Labour leader Ed Miliband said "nobody should be persecuted because of the religion they practise or the person they fall in love with".

"I cannot imagine the suffering - both physical and emotional - that Meriam, her husband and their two young children must be going through," he said. 

News
Irish archbishops urge peace and reconciliation amid Drumcree stand-off
Irish archbishops urge peace and reconciliation amid Drumcree stand-off

Ireland’s Catholic and Church of Ireland archbishops have appealed for an “urgent” initiative to resolve the Drumcree parade dispute and asked Christians to pray for peace. 

Former priest Chris Brain convicted of rape as Church review set to begin
Former priest Chris Brain convicted of rape as Church review set to begin

Former Church of England priest Chris Brain has been convicted of rape and four counts of indecent assault following a retrial. 

Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester
Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester

Franklin Graham used the biblical story of Lot’s flight from Sodom to urge thousands in Manchester on Saturday night to seek forgiveness through Christ and accept His gift of salvation.

More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report
More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report

More than 4,200 Christians have been killed in Nigeria so far this year, according to a new report calling for stronger action to protect communities facing violence across the country’s Middle Belt.