Lubna Ahmed Hussein's Alleged Khartoum Crime Clarified

Anne here. I spent a good part of yesterday pm, trying to understand the nature of Lubna Ahmed Hussein’s alleged crime.

Lubna SpeaksThe Arabic Network for Human Rights Information has released this statement, the first to clarify in English the actual crime and punishment in Lubna’s case. And for the first time, we hear Lubna speak about her arrest:

Important New Facts:

* At today’s Lubna judicial proceeding in Khartoum, journalists — including Reuters — were detained.

* Lubna wore her “sensational dressing up” clothes to court today.

* Lubna refused a compromise agreement, in which charges would be dropped, if she agreed never to dress ‘that way’ again in public.

* ANHRI reports that Lubna refused a presidential pardon. (This is new news.)

* Lubna resigned from the UN, where she enjoyed immunity from prosecution. (See AFP update to my earlier Anne’s Journal post.)

ANHRI declares that the trial of Lubna Al Hussein was adjourned to 4\8\2009 in the first hearing at Khartoum criminal court in the presence of intense media. Their account follows:

While covering the trial, the Sudanese police detained the correspondents of Reuters and Alhurra channels and Al Midan and Ajras Al Horreya Sudanese papers. The police confiscated the notebook and recorder of Abd Al Kader Mohamed of Al Midan’s.

Lubna refused the compromise of Mohi El Din Titawi, Sudanese Reporters union Head, to close the case versus a promise that she will not dress up in that manner once more. Lubna also refused a presidential pardon among three women who were prosecuted by the public discipline authority.

ANHRI once more asserts its utter support to the Sudanese reporter and all Sudanese women who are subject to violence and oppression under a legal cover. ANHRI requests changing article #152 of the criminal law which incites more violence against other women and considers such a legislation an unconstitutional encroachment on freedoms.

Lubna was put to trial accused of “sensational dressing up”. The general discipline police considered Lubna’s apparel a threat to the value and virtues of the Sudanese society. This accusation has only one punishment , receiving 40 flogs in public as per article #152 of the Sudanese criminal law of 1991. This case is the official retaliation against the reporter for her writings criticizing the Sudanese regime and extremists.