30 July 2009

Alert

Reporter's trial postponed


(ANHRI/IFEX) - ANHRI reports that the trial of Lubna Al Hussein has been postponed by the Khartoum criminal court until 4 August 2009 amid a large media presence.

While covering the trial, the Sudanese police detained correspondents from Reuters, Alhurra channel and Sundanese newspapers "Al Midan" and "Arjas Al Horreya". The police confiscated the notebook and recorder of "Al Midan" reporter Abd Al Kader.

Lubna rejected a suggestion from the head of the Sudanese Reporters Union, Mohi El Din Titawi, to settle the the case in exchange for a promise that she would not dress up in a "sensational" manner again. Lubna also refused a presidential pardon offered to the three women who were prosecuted by the public discipline authority.

ANHRI reiterates its support for the Sudanese reporter and all Sudanese women who are subject to violence and oppression under pretense of legal processes. ANHRI requests that the government amend article 152 of the criminal law which is oppressive to women and considers such legislation an unconstitutional encroachment on freedoms.

Lubna was put on trial, accused of "sensational dressing up". The general discipline police considered Lubna's apparel to be a threat to the values and virtues of the Sudanese society. This accusation has only one punishment, to be flogged 40 times in public, as per article 152 of the Sudanese criminal law of 1991. It is believed that this trial is actually a retaliation against the reporter for her writings criticising the Sudanese regime and extremists.

Source:

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What other IFEX Members are Saying

Trial of female journalist arrested for wearing trousers postponed until 7 September; second female journalist faces enormous fine for 'Defamation' (IPI)
ARTICLE 19 pledges solidarity with journalist over “Trouser Trial” (ARTICLE 19)
Lubna Al Hussein case adjourned to 7 September 2009 (ANHRI)

More on this case

Lubna Hussein convicted, ordered to pay US$200 or go to prison for a month, in infamous trousers trial case 10 September 2009 Pledge solidarity with Sudanese journalist facing 40 lashes for wearing pants 12 August 2009 Reporter on trial for "dressing in a sensational manner" 15 July 2009

At a glance

Sudan
Sudan
 
Key reports and information
  • Attacks on the Press in 2011: Sudan

    Sudanese have lowest rates of telecommunications access in the region, making journalism difficult

    Committee to Protect Journalists 22 February 2012

  • Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Sudan

    Sudanese journalists subject to "censorship, closures of newspapers, and arrests, prolonged detention and mistreatment"

    Reporters Without Borders 26 January 2012

  • World Report 2012: Sudan

    Darfuri journalists and activists affiliated with Radio Dabanga face criminal charges punishable by death

    Human Rights Watch 23 January 2012

 
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