Position of the South African Government with regard to the death sentence imposed on the eight months pregnant Sudanese Christian woman, Meriam Yehya Ibrahim, who was convicted of apostasy and adultery on 11 May 2014
QUOTE
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO: 40 (NW46E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 1-2014 OF 27 JUNE 2014
MR M H REDELINGHUYS (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:
(1) What is the Government’s position with regard to the death sentence imposed on the eight months pregnant Sudanese Christian woman, Meriam Yehya Ibrahim, who was convicted of apostasy and adultery on 11 May 2014?
REPLY:
(1) South Africa welcomes the release of the Sudanese Christian woman, Meriam Yehya Ibrahim, who had been arrested and convicted on charges of adultery and apostasy which are punishable by death in Sudan. However, we recall that Sudan’s interim constitution is emphatic in its guarantee of the freedom of religion. We further recall that Sudan has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and hence is obligated to protect the right to freedom of religion and belief. Thus, South Africa is satisfied with the judicial outcome as per the right of the accused person to appeal her sentence. We call for a speedy and just conclusion regarding Ibrahim’s recent re-detention, together with her family, over queries related to her travel documentation.
UNQUOTE
|
