Women flogged by Sharia police for wearing trousers

Bess writes: A shocking report on msnnews about the 10 Sudanese women lashed by Police in public simply for wearing trousers. This violates Islamic law, one of the flogged women, the journalist Lubna Hussein, explained. She and two other women are waiting to hear whether their case can, as they have  requested, go to trial. Ms Hussein has printed invitations to the expected trial, saying: “Let the people see for themselves. This is retribution to thousands of girls who are facing flogging for the last 20 years because of wearing trousers. They prefer to remain silent." Since the ruling party seized power in a 1989 coup Sharia law has been strictly enforced in the Sudan.  Ms Hussein, who says "I didn't do anything wrong," was one of 13 women arrested in a Khartoum café on Friday by public order police, whose role is to implement Sharia in public places. Ten were flogged and fined 250 Sudanese pounds (£74). Western dress is said to be unusual in North Sudan