World

Sudan Bans Female Genital Mutilation

Sudan will permit non-Muslims to consume alcohol and the country will strengthen women’s rights, including banning female genital mutilation (FGM), its justice minister said late on Saturday. This marks a reversal of almost four decades of hardline Islamist policies.

About 3% of Sudan’s population is non-Muslim, according to the United Nations.

Alcoholic drinks have been banned since former President Jaafar Nimeiri introduced Islamic law in 1983, throwing bottles of whisky into the Nile in the capital Khartoum.

The transition government which took over after autocrat Omar al-Bashir was toppled last year has vowed to lead Sudan to democracy, end discrimination and make peace with rebels.

Non-Muslims will no longer be criminalised for drinking alcohol in private, Justice Minister Nasredeen Abdulbari told state television. For Muslims, the ban will remain. Offenders are typically flogged under Islamic law.

Sudan will also decriminalise apostasy and ban FGM, a practice which typically involves the partial or total removal of the external genitalia of girls and women, he said.

Women will also no longer need a permit from male members of their families to travel with their children.

(REUTERS)

R

Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

Kirby: Temporary pier not enough for aid delivery

United States National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby told Al-Jazeera on…

12 heures ago

Spain to recognize State of Palestine on this date

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated on Friday that he would “reveal on Wednesday the…

13 heures ago

Tunisia – Manouba: Arrest of individual wanted by Interpol

A patrol affiliated with intelligence units in the National Guard district of Manouba was able…

13 heures ago

Tunisia – Manouba: Jadida: Ten students poisoned by sweets offered by their classmate

A middle school in the locality of El Jadida, in the Manouba region, registered the poisoning…

13 heures ago

Tunisia-Tabarka: Arrest of coral trafficker and 236 thousand dinars seized

Tabarka National Guard research and investigation brigade carried out a raid on a coral trafficker.…

17 heures ago

This website uses cookies.