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Meriam Ibrahim

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Advocate

The Resume

    (November 3, 1987- )
    Born in Al Qadarif , Sudan
    Birth name is Mariam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag
    Charged with apostasy and sentenced to death by hanging for refusing to convert from Christianity to Islam (15 May 2014)
    Gave birth to a girl in prison (27 May 2014)
    Released and pardoned only to be rearrested (June 2014)
    Eventually released and immigrated to the US (August 2014)

Why she might be annoying:

    Her situation was co-opted as a cause celebre by the American right wing.
    Some have argued that her specific case distracts from more general problems the Sudanese have with their government.
    Conspiracy theorists are convinced that the case is a hoax designed by the Sudanese government to distract from their political corruption.
    Many Muslims have expressed fear that she will figure into anti-Islamic propaganda.
    Her half-brother and sister-in-law set the law on her in order to win control over her successful line of businesses; a hair salon and a convenience store ('Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!').
    She probably makes some Christians feel guilty for skipping church on Sunday.

Why she might not be annoying:

    She was raised by a single Ethiopian Orthodox mother, after her husband left her.
    Her marriage to a Christian was deemed null and void by Islamic law, resulting in her being charged with adultery, despite having had sexual relations with no one other than her husband.
    She was given three days to renounce her Christian faith, and she refused.
    Because the father who abandoned her was a Muslim, Sudanese officials argued that she should worship the faith of her birth father (even though he walked out on them).
    She was sentenced to 100 lashes for adultery, to be applied before her execution.
    She was arrested and imprisoned during her second pregnancy.
    Her husband attested to seeing her legs swollen from wearing shackles while in prison.
    She was denied vital medical treatment or a hospital stay during childbirth, even giving birth while wearing shackles.
    Her son was forced to accompany her in prison, and reports claimed that he was constantly malnourished (and understandably terrified).
    British Prime Minister, David Cameron said, 'The way she is being treated is barbaric and has no place in today's world.''
    Worldwide protest secured her release from prison, enabling her to flee to Italy, and from there, the United States.
    She expressed gratitude to the Catholic Church for the prayers on her behalf during her meeting with Pope Francis (who praised her courageous and constant witness of faith').
    She has given the persecution of Christians in parts of Africa and the Middle East a human face.

Credit: BoyWiththeGreenHair


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 8 Votes: 62.50% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 4 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 40 Votes: 82.50% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 24 Votes: 70.83% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 72 Votes: 51.39% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 90 Votes: 50.0% Annoying