Sudanese woman faces 40 lashes for wearing pants
August 4, 2009 - Lυbnа Hυssеіn is a brave woman.
Thе Sυdаnеsе journalist was having dinner in a restaurant with 10 other women when she was arrested for wearing trousers, considered "indecent clothing" under Sudan's strict Islamic regime. Seven of the women received a whipping of ten lashes and a fine, but Hussein decided to challenge the law.
Although she could have been granted immunity due to her work with the UN, Hussein has decided to go ahead with the trial because she wants to see the law changed. If convicted she will face 40 lashes. She has tried to publicize her case by inviting human rights workers, dipolmats and journalists to witness the trial.
50 women showed up - in trousers - to protest the procedings and lend support to Hussein. They were reportedly beaten by police, who tear gassed them and tried to ban the media from reporting on it.
Hussein's trial has been adjourned for 30 days, ostensibly so the court can 'seek clarification'. We know that the court is merely buying time for the world to lose interest. But if the pressure continues, the court will do what all cowards do when anyone stands up to them - they'll back down. They'll cite some technical reason why she won't be punished, but will do nothing to change the law.
And the next time, when a woman without international or media connections faces the whip?
*Thanks to Paul from A Measure of Curiosity for this story
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