Be in prayer for Meriam and her family. The appeals court has agreed to review her case. Details are below.
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On May 22nd, Meriam’s legal team filed an appeal of her case. They are arguing that the verdict contradicts the country’s constitution. A panel of three judges is currently reviewing the case. They can reject the appeal, letting the verdict stand, accept the appeal and request a retrial, or withdraw the case completely. If these three judges reject the appeal, the the case will go to the Supreme Court with a five judge panel.
Meriam’s lawyer seems to think that a judgement will be made in the next week or so. He stated that public opinion cases tend to move quicker through the system.
Meriam’s husband has told reporters that if her freedom is granted, they will leave the country immediately.
Unfortunately, the State Department is not being much help. They are making unreasonable demands of Daniel in order for him to prove he is the father. These demands, according to the State Department’s own website, are unreasonable. He has provided many acceptable documents, but they aren’t being accepted.
It is still unknown when the 100 lashes will be meted out. Many women do not survive them. Daniel’s brother explained to the press that at the very least, the lashes will rip away all her skin.
Also speaking to the press is Meriam’s “brother” that states she deserves all of the punishment that she gets because she is no longer Muslim. His words were harsh, to say the least, and very venomous. As he spoke about Meriam’s punishment, he also warned the media and international community to get out of a “family affair.”
Here are links to my articles covering the story.
http://voices.yahoo.com/meriam-yahia-ibrahim-sentenced-death-12639633.html?cat=37
http://voices.yahoo.com/a-death-sentence-mothers-day-12650570.html?cat=37
http://voices.yahoo.com/meriam-yahia-ibrahim-chance-us-help-12657299.html?cat=49
http://voices.yahoo.com/sudan-country-profile-12674555.html?cat=37
http://voices.yahoo.com/meriam-yahia-ibrahim-case-file-12674540.html?cat=37
