UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the trial of the Sudanese UN employee Lubna Ahmed al-Hussein. She is a former journalist who is in danger of being convicted to 40 lashes and a fine for wearing “immoral clothing”.

On the first day of the trial in the Sudanese capital Khartoum Mr Ban said he was disappointed in the court and called on all parties involved to act in accordance with international law.
 

Lubna al-Hussein was arrested in Khartoum in early July, together with 12 other women, for wearing trousers - which is an offence under Sudan's strict Shari'a law. Two days after their arrest ten of the women received ten lashes each. The other three, including Ms al-Hussein, are to appear in court.
 

There was commotion on the first day of the trial when Lubna al-Hussein appeared wearing trousers again. followed her example. The proceedings will continue on 4 August.