Police detains scores of women supporting female journalist on trial for wearing trousers

Sudan detains supporters of woman on trial

KHARTOUM, Sudan — Sudanese police have detained some 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 Monday.

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.

Hussein, who has been released on bail during the hearings, 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 U.N. staffer, Hussein should have immunity from prosecution but she has opted to stand trial in any case.