Sudanese Woman Reporter Challenging Sharia Indecency Punishment

In Sudan, where sharia law is widely applied (background), journalist Lubna Ahmed al-Hussein wants to challenge the validity of applying public indecency laws-- with flogging as punishment-- to women who wear trousers. Middle East Online reported yesterday on Hussein's arrest, along with 12 other women who were wearing trousers, at a Khartoum restaurant. They are subject to punishment of up to 40 lashes. Ten others have already received this punishment. Hundreds of activists and political opponents have been demonstrating outside the court in support of al-Hussein. She argues that the indecency law is inconsistent with both the constitution and Islamic law. She says defiantly: "if the constitutional court says the law is constitutional, I'm ready to be whipped not 40 but 40,000 times." Hussein worked with the United Nations media office in Sudan, and may be entitled to immunity. She says she wants to waive her immunity to challenge the law, and has resigned her position. However one of her attorneys asserted her immunity anyway. The judge has adjourned the trial until September while the Sudanese foreign ministry rules on the immunity issue.