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Sudan Woman Tried for Pants Gets Fined, Not Flogged

Lubna Hussein plans appeal to country's constitutional court

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 7, 2009 9:51 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Sudanese woman arrested in July for wearing pants has been fined around $200 but will not receive the 40 lashes once threatened, CNN reports. Lubna Hussein, an erstwhile UN worker who resigned in order to waive immunity and challenge her prosecution, says she will not pay the fine and will instead spend a month in prison. Her lawyer says she plans to appeal the case to the country’s constitutional court.

Hussein hopes to have the law governing indecency overturned as unconstitutional. She was tried for wearing pants that were said to be too tight and a too-sheer blouse along with her hijab. She pleaded not guilty, but was not allowed defend herself in court. Outside the courtroom today, protesters were met by police and tear gas. “The manner in which this law has been used against women is unacceptable, and the penalty called for by the law—up to 40 lashes—abhorrent,” an Amnesty International official says.

Sudanese journalist Lubna Hussein.
Sudanese journalist Lubna Hussein.   (AP Photo)
A Sudanese activist march in support of Lubna Hussein.
A Sudanese activist march in support of Lubna Hussein.   (AP Photo)
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I don't think she was targeted specifically. They attack public and private parties and groups. They are called 'morality police' and she was just a victim of a round-up. - Hussein lawyer Nabil Adib

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
reasonator
Sep 8, 2009 1:48 AM CDT
Not just women have been standing up against this backward thinking. :)
paul123
Sep 7, 2009 7:11 AM CDT
Must be all the "progressives" that let go of the flogging. Probably told her to go make them all sammiches instead...
prowlerzee
Sep 7, 2009 5:49 AM CDT
I think we can agree that the PIGS who call themselves "progressive" here fall all over themselves to pile on and trash talk Sarah Palin, with whom they are obsessed. But when it comes to actual news that is of interest to women's progress around the world? The throwback swine are nowhere to be found.

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