Wicker: Christian Woman in Sudan Released

Miss. Senator Applauds Sudanese Appeal Court Ruling to Free Ibrahim

June 23, 2014

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement regarding a Sudanese Appeals Court ruling to release Meriam Yahia Ibrahim from jail:

“I am thrilled at the news of Ms. Ibrahim’s release after being wrongfully imprisoned,” Wicker said. “I urge the Sudanese government to ensure Ms. Ibrahim and her children are safely reunited with her husband and the children’s father in the United States. I am working with the Administration to make sure they are brought to America as soon as possible to live under the freedoms and protections we hold dear.”

Ms. Ibrahim is the wife of U.S. citizen Daniel Wani. They have two children. Their son, Martin, has been imprisoned with Ms. Ibrahim since February, and their daughter was born this month in prison. On May 11, 2014, a Sudan court sentenced Ms. Ibrahim to death for being a Christian. The Sudanese appeals court reversed the sentencing.

Earlier this month, Wicker led a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State John Kerry calling for the release of Ibrahim. Wicker is also a cosponsor of legislation that will grant Ibrahim and her children permanent legal status in the United States.