Women Journalists Wear Trousers to Court, Delaying Decision in Lubna Ahmed Hussein Case

The decision of a Sudanese judge in charge of Lubna Ahmed Hussein’s trial has postponed his decision to the 4th of August. My sources say that Lubna refused to use her UN immunity in the trial, which she could have done, to save herself the lash.

A large crowd of reporters, journalists and correspondents of TV and Media both local and international convened at the court. There were also civil society organizations and women’s organizations and representatives of the United Nations and foreign consulates and embassies in the Sudan in attendance.

Ordinary Sundanese people who received invitations to the trial were also in attendance.

The start of the trial was delayed for about an hour, due to the pressure of the crowd of journalists who wanted to attend the trial. The authorities opened the doors, allowing people inside.

Many journalist colleagues were women. THEY WORE TROUSERS to court!!!

I need a photo to be sure we get this story into Google images. I have chosen the phrase “The Old Ladies’ Rebellion”, even though Lubna has supporters of every age, men and women.

Today is one small pause in a long fight for women of the world to wear trousers — if they choose.

I’m one ‘old lady’ who isn’t pulling back this time. Please join our fight:

Lubna’s Facebook wall:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lubna-Ahmed-Hussein/105883283749?v=info

Anne’s Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/people/L-Anne-Enke/1329290085

Anne’s Twitter

https://twitter.com/anneenke

More later. Anne

Update on Wed, July 29, 2009 by Anne

Update Via AFP:

The judge deferred the case to Tuesday after Lubna Ahmed al-Hussein, who works for the left-wing Al-Sahafa newspaper and for the media department of the United Nations Mission in Sudan, waived the immunity given to UN workers.

“The court gave Lubna the choice either to accept immunity from the UN or to waive that and go on with the trial,” her lawyer Nabil Adeeb told AFP.

“I wish to resign from the UN, I wish this court case to continue,” Hussein told a packed courtroom before the judge adjourned the case to August 4.

Hussein, who wears a hijab or Islamic headscarf, faces 40 lashes and a fine of 250 Sudanese pounds (100 dollars) if found guilty.

She wore the same clothes to court as when she was arrested — moss-green slacks with a loose floral top and green headscarf.

She waved defiantly to crowds as she left the court.