Sign up the petition to help Lubna now...

Sign up the petition to help Lubna now...
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/lubna/
We intend to send the results to the Sudaneese President and Justice and Foriegn Ministers ...Arab Women Connection - AWC
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/lubna/index.html


A SUDANESE journalist, Lubna Ahmed Al-Hussein, who is known for her public criticism of the regimes oppression of women in Sudan, faces 40 lashings after she was charged with breaking a law that forbids women from wearing clothes that causes public uneasiness she was wearing a blouse and trousers.

The Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) expressed its deepest concern about the case. The General Discipline Police Authority considered Lubna's dressing style a threat to the Sudanese society values and virtues. This crime is subject to only one punishment; 40 lashes in public according to article 152 of the Sudanese criminal law of 1991.

Al-Hussein was arrested by 20 to 30 police officers at a popular central Khartoum restaurant with another 12 women for this infringement. Some of the women arrested accepted a guilty verdict and were whipped ten times. Khartoum, unlike South Sudan, is governed by Sharia law.

The Sudanese general discipline law is one of the most discriminating laws against women as it violates basic freedoms to be enjoyed by all citizens. The law targets female students and working women as though it was tailored for persecuting, humiliating and isolating women from contributing to public life.

ANHRI calls on all human rights NGOs interested in freedom of expression and women's rights to back up Lubna and make efforts to stop this charade trial that violates all international treaties defending freedom of expression and women's rights asserting that the Sudanese government persecutes antagonists in every possible way and would not refrain from using the worst laws and practices.

ANHRI praises Lubna's boldness, as she has printed invitation cards to her trial and sent them to all media and press bodies.

In case of being convicted, Lubna intends to send similar invitations for media to attend her public whipping