Sudanese Christian woman facing new legal challenge

July 4, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese Christian woman formerly accused of apostasy is facing a new legal challenge as prosecutor at east Khartoum police station refused to drop charges filed against her for forging identification documents.

Meriam Ibrahim was sentenced to death last month for renouncing Islam, but was released after what the government said was “unprecedented” international pressure. An appeals court found Ibrahim not guilty on two charges of apostasy and adultery and overturned the lower tribunal’s verdict.

The police justified its rejection for dropping the charges by saying it is waiting for the completion of all chapters of the case.

Ibrahim’s brother lodged a case in the court of proceedings in Alhag Youssef neighbourhood, east of Khartoum to prove that Ibrahim is a family member through the DNA test.

Sudan Tribune learned that Khartoum family court on Thursday delayed the case because the accused was not informed of the lawsuit.

The Sudanese authorities have embarked on procedures for issuing a travel ban against Ibrahim and her two children according to a request made by her brother.

Ibrahim’s lawyer, Mohanad Mustafa, on Thursday said his client will face a new lawsuit.

He confirmed that a case has been lodged against Ibrahim in family court “to prove that Meriam is Abrar and she is one of the family.”

The 27-year-old was taken into custody by National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) officers at Khartoum airport last week along with her husband and two children, for trying to use documents issued by the embassy of South Sudan to fly out of Khartoum. She was then released and took refuge at the US embassy.

(ST)