FRC Responds to Reports Meriam Ibrahim May Be Released from Sudan's Death Row, Urges Safe Haven in U.S.

Tony Perkins Renews Call for Obama administration to Immediately Grant Safe Haven in U.S.

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May 31, 2014, 03:49 ET

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Family Research Council President (FRC) Tony Perkins responded today to reports that the Sudan government may release Meriam Ibrahim from death row within the next "few days." She is a Sudanese Christian who was sentenced to death for the "crime" of converting from Islam.

Meriam languishes in a notoriously rank Sudanese prison with her 20-month-old son and her newborn daughter. Nearly 30,000 people have signed a WhiteHouse.gov petition asking President Obama to grant her expedited save haven in the United States.

FRC President Tony Perkins made the following comments:

"We are encouraged by reports that Meriam and her two small children may be released from a prison that is notorious for torture and its high infant mortality rate. Nearly 30,000 Americans have signed a WhiteHouse.gov petition in the last three days asking that the administration immediately extend safe haven to Meriam and her two children who are eligible for U.S. citizenship. We remain deeply concerned about Meriam's safety in Sudan, especially if she is released back into Sudanese society.

"Earlier this week, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson told Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ) that he wasn't sure he knew about her case but promised to look into the possibility of granting safe haven in the United States. Since then, he has said nothing more publicly.

"The Obama administration should grant immediate refugee status to Meriam and her children so that they will have the option of finding safe haven in the United States. Family Research Council joins thousands of Americans in demanding President Obama offer a safe haven to this suffering American family," concluded Perkins.

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SOURCE Family Research Council