Not long ago, we brought you the story of Meriam Yahya Ibrahim, the woman who was sentenced to death for apostasy. You can read more about her story here.
According to her husband, Daniel Wani, on Tuesday morning Meriam went into labor and gave birth with her legs chained. “They kept a chain on her legs,” he told The Telegraph. “She is very unhappy about that.”
Although she was shackled during the birth, and her toddler son still remains in prison with his mother, Meriam has been doing better than previous days. Wani explained that Meriam’s mental health has improved and their son’s behavior has positively changed. However, no one will know the long-term damage done by the trauma of this unjust arrest and detainment until Meriam and her children are set free, which is what human rights groups and people all over the world are demanding – immediate release.
The clock starts ticking today for Meriam. The case that many are saying reveals Sudan’s disregard for female life, has also bizarrely brought attention to the country’s high regard for breastfeeding.The attention given to infants and the role of a woman (caretaker of child) has been shown to have been given higher importance than the actual life of the mother. However, because of this and the birth of her child, Meriam has been given precious time.
Meriam will have two years to breastfeed her child before she will be sentenced according to the previous judgement. During this time, her lawyers will work on appeals.
Click here to learn more about what you can do to help free Meriam.
