‘Absolutely appalled’: Cameron slammed the Sudanese government (Picture: Facebook)

The Sudan government has performed a dramatic U-turn over the death sentence handed to bride Meriam Ibrahim, which had been described as ‘barbaric’ by prime minister David Cameron.

Abdullahi Alzareg, an under-secretary at the Sudanese foreign ministry, said the country was committed to protecting the woman and would guarantee her religious freedoms.

Earlier, Mr Cameron had criticised the treatment of Ms Ibrahim after she was sentenced to death for marrying a Christian man.

The prime minister joined Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg and Labour leader Ed Miliband, as well as former PM Tony Blair, in condemning the treatment of the 27-year-old – who was forced to give birth with her legs shackled in her cell this week.




Mr Cameron told The Times he was ‘absolutely appalled’ when he heard the news.

‘The way she is being treated is barbaric and has no place in today’s world,’ the Tory leader said.

‘Religious freedom is an absolute, fundamental human right.

‘I urge the government of Sudan to overturn the sentence and immediately provide appropriate support and medical care for her and her children.’

David Cameron has joined other party leaders in condemning the treatment of Meriam (Picture: Getty Images)

Ms Ibrahim, who was raised a Christian by her mother, was ordered to renounce her faith by a Sudanese court this week on the grounds that her father was a Muslim – something she refused to do.

The court further ruled that her marriage to a Christian man should be annulled and sentenced her to 100 lashes for adultery and death by hanging.

Sex outside a ‘lawful relationship’ is seen as adultery under Sudanese law.