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Meriam Ibrahim Prevented from Leaving Country Under Fraud Accusation

  • Carrie Dedrick Religious persecution, missions, Christianity around the world
  • Updated Jun 25, 2014

Sudanese Christian Meriam Ibrahim was reportedly accused of fraud as she tried to leave the country with family. Authorities said Ibrahim had falsified travel documents by using her Christian name instead of her given Muslim name.

Ibrahim was at the airport to travel to the U.S. when 40 National Security agents took the family of four into custody. A friend has since posted bail, but the family remains trapped in Sudan while Ibrahim faces the fraud charges.

Attorney to the family Elshareef Ali Mohammed said that the court had given Ibrahim no travel restrictions. “I’m very concerned. When people do not respect the court, they might do anything,” he said. 

The U.S. State Department is now involved with the legal proceedings in Sudan. Spokesperson Marie Harf said, "The Embassy has been and will remain highly involved in working with the family and the government. The State Department is engaging directly with Sudanese officials to secure their safe and swift departure from Sudan.” 

Ibrahim’s husband, Daniel Wani, holds U.S. citizenship. Supporters of Ibrahim argue that her two young children are U.S. citizens as well. It is unclear if Sudan authorities accused Wani of fraud as well. 

Publication date: June 25, 2014