A SUDANESE journalist, Lubna Ahmed Al-Hussein, who is known for her public criticism of the regimes oppression of women in Sudan, faces 40 lashings after she was charged with breaking a law that forbids women from wearing clothes that causes public uneasiness she was wearing a blouse and trousers. The Arab Women Connection Network expresses its deepest concern about the case. The General Discipline Police Authority considered Lubna's dressing style a threat to the Sudanese society values and virtues. This crime is subject to only one punishment; 40 lashes in public according to article 152 of the Sudanese criminal law of 1991. Al-Hussein was arrested by 20 to 30 police officers at a popular central Khartoum restaurant with another 12 women for this infringement. The Sudanese general discipline law is one of the most discriminating laws against women as it violates basic freedoms to be enjoyed by all citizens. The law targets female students and working women as though it was tailored for persecuting, humiliating and isolating women from contributing to public life. AWC calls on all human rights NGOs interested in freedom of expression and women's rights to back up Lubna and sign this petition to stop this trial that violates all international treaties defending freedom of expression and women's rights. Sign the petition now!