Meriam free at last in Rome where she could meet the Pope
Rome (AsiaNews) - Meriam's story has had a happy ending. The Sudanese Christian woman sentenced to death for apostasy in accordance with Sharia because she is the daughter of a Muslim father arrived in Rome today with her husband and two children, flown in from Khartoum on an Italian government jet. She could meet, even today, with Pope Francis.
With finally a smile on her face (pictured), Meriam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag, 26, had been sentenced to death in February by a lower court for apostasy. The court told her to "go back to her faith," but Meriam, who is married to Daniel Wani, also a Christian, said that she was never a Muslim.
Her father had deserted her and her family, including her Christian mother who raised her in her religion. However, under the law, she was still a Muslim and the fact that she married to a Christian in a Christian church in Khartoum was an aggravating circumstances. In fact, in addition to death by hanging, the court imposed 100 lashes for adultery as well.
Meriam's condemnation sparked criticism and protest in much of the non-Muslim world, as a clear violation of religious freedom. Whilst in prison, she gave birth to her second child, a daughter, "in chains" as she said herself.
On 23 June, the Court of Appeal quashed the original judgment. Determined to get out of Sudan, Meriam and her family tried to leave but were arrested the next day on charges of trying to leave the country with false documents.
After she was released, she found sanctuary at the US Embassy in Khartoum. Today she was finally able to leave.
Welcoming her at the airport, Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said, "Today is a day of celebration."
Meriam and her family will stay a few days in Rome and might meet Pope Francis before leaving for the United States - her husband has a US passport.
Vatican Press Office director Father Federico Lombardi said that "The Pope has been informed but there is no decision on possible meetings."
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