WASHINGTON (RNS) Dozens of protestors gathered outside the White House on Thursday to push President Obama to save Meriam Ibrahim, a Sudanese woman who was sentenced to death for marrying a Christian man, who is also a U.S. citizen. Although Ibrahim considers herself a Christian, Sudanese law recognizes her as a Muslim because her father was Muslim. Ibrahim is being held as prisoner in Sudan with her toddler and newborn. Another protest is scheduled for Friday at the Embassy of Sudan.
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Protesters chanted “save Meriam” outside the White House Thursday. Isaac Six, advocacy manager for International Christian Concern, said that other leaders have called her out by name and they are hoping President Obama will do the same. RNS photo by Heather Adams
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Protestors wore paper chains to represent the Meriam Ibrahim’s captivity. Faith McDonnell, demonstration organizer, said that it is the duty of both Christians and Americans to call attention to this issue. RNS photo by Heather Adams
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Protesters stood together holding signs asking President Obama to save Meriam Ibrahim. They then distributed baby announcements for Ibrahim’s newborn daughter, Maya, who was born in the prison where her mother is being kept. RNS photo by Heather Adams
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“Mute No More” founder Dominic Sputo, center, encouraged protesters to send a letter to their representative to grant Meriam Ibrahim U.S. citizenship. RNS photo by Heather Adams.
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Penny Young Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America, lead a prayer and called Meriam Ibrahim her “sister in Christ” during Thursday’s demonstration. RNS photo by Heather Adams
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Family Research Council President Tony Perkins encouraged protestors to fill out a #FreeMeriam petition on the White House’s website to focus President Obama’s attention on the issue. The group needs 100,000 signatures, Perkins said. RNS photo by Heather Adams