Meriam Ibrahim conviction is based on contradictory claims, say lawyers

Appeal papers say claims against woman sentenced to death for apostasy are weak and inconsistent.

The conviction of Meriam Ibrahim by a court in Khartoum on charges of apostasy and adultery was based on weak, contradictory and inconsistent claims, and contravenes Sudan's interim constitution, according to an appeal lodged by her lawyers.

Ibrahim, 27, was sentenced to death and to 100 lashes after refusing to renounce her Christian faith. Amid an international outcry, she gave birth last month while shackled to the floor in a Khartoum prison where she is being held with her newborn daughter and toddler son.

Her husband, Daniel Wani, a US citizen, told the Guardian that his wife and children were being held in inhumane conditions, and the prison authorities were "extremely tough" with her. "She spent two days in her labour blood after she gave birth. They prevented her from having a shower until the human rights committee [visited]. I won't let this horrible treatment go without punishment; I will complain against this behaviour," he said.

Guards had searched his daughter, Maya, when she was five days old, and "put their dirty hands in the food I brought them", he added. Keep reading