Editor's Note: This blog was written by Enough Project intern Irina Balytsky
On July 23, one day prior to the release of Ms. Mariam Ibrahim into the custody of Italy's deputy foreign minister, Omer Ismail testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations regarding this troubling case - a 27-year old mother sentenced to death by hanging for converting from Islam to Christianity. This apostasy charge is based upon the fact that her father is Muslim. Ms. Ibrahim, however, was raised by her Christian mother and had practiced Christianity all her life. Other expert witnesses included Dr. Zuhdi Jasser of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, and Ambassador Joseph Rees, former United States ambassador to the Democratic Republic of East Timor.
Chairman Christopher Smith (R-NJ 4th) started the hearing by stating the intent - to present a strong appeal to the government of Sudan to free Ibrahim immediately and uphold international statutes on religious freedom with respect to all its citizens. Ranking Member Karen Bass (D-CA 37th) and Representatives Mark Meadows (R-NC 11th), Frank Wolf (R-VA 10th), Tom Cotton (R-AR 4th) were also in attendance.
The violence in Darfur that grabbed the world's attention ten years ago has persisted and evolved into a pattern of discrimination by the government of Sudan against its people. Officially-sanctioned militaries and government-sponsored militias continue to perpetrate violence across the country. As a result, there are close to two million internally displaced persons (UNHCR).
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