The Australian Government has urged the Sudanese Government to uphold religious freedom provided for in their constitution and release Meriam Ibrahim, a 27-year-old Sudanese woman sentenced to death for apostasy under Sharia Law.
I have asked our Ambassador to Sudan, Mr Ralph King, based in Cairo, to raise Ms Ibrahim's case with the Sudanese authorities. He will register Australia's protest to the ruling and our grave concerns for the human rights situation in Sudan.
Ms Ibrahim's case is subject to appeal, and I hope that there will be regard for Sudan's constitution, which provides for freedom of religion.
The situation in Sudan is deeply concerning. Australia stands with the international community in urging Sudan to stop the executions and respect the human rights of detainees facing the death sentence for conversion from Islam.
The Australian Government believes that freedom of religion or belief is a core human right, and that this freedom must be respected in all countries in accordance with international human rights law.