40 women held for supporting journalist in Sudan

Sudanese police have detained 40 women protesting outside a courthouse in support of a female journalist on trial for wearing trousers in public.

Lubna Hussein’s trial was set to resume today and she could receive 40 lashes and pay a fine if found guilty of violating Sudan’s indecency law which follows a strict interpretation of Islam.

She has been released on bail during the hearings and has sought to draw international attention to her case and battle the law she has described as un-Islamic and oppressive to women.

As a UN worker, Ms Hussein should have immunity from prosecution but she has opted to stand trial in any case.