Defiant Sudanese Journalist Sentenced For Wearing Pants

In Khartoum, Sudan yesterday the high profile trial of a defiant woman journalist who is challenging the country' sharia-based laws relating to dress requirements resumed. (See prior posting.) The Los Angeles Times reports that journalist Lubna Ahmed al-Hussein was convicted of public indecency for wearing pants at an outdoor cafe. At her trial Hussein wore the same pants. After the conviction, the judge, instead of sentencing defendant to the expected 40 lashes, merely imposed a fine of $200. Hussein however refused to pay and was then sentenced to a month in jail. When she was charged, Hussein worked for the United Nations. Wanting to make a public issue of Sudan's laws, she resigned so that her case would not be dismissed on immunity grounds. She also sent e-mail invitations to journalists and diplomats asking that they attend her sentencing. Not surprisingly, Hussein's lawyer says that the conviction will be appealed to Sudan's Supreme Court.