Nigerian girl appeals against lashing

A 17-year-old Nigerian girl, who is due to be lashed for pre-marital sex, has just over four weeks to appeal against the decision.

Last September, an Islamic court in the northern Nigerian state of Zamfara, found Bariya Ibrahim Magazu guilty of pre-marital sex.

She was sentenced to 180 lashes, but as she was pregnant, the punishment had to be postponed until after the birth of the child. The baby was delivered in mid-December.

Our correspondent in the area says she has 45 days from the birth to get the decision overturned.

Since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999, eight northern states have introduced Islamic law, known as Sharia. Zamfara was the first state to do so a year ago, and has been the most active in prosecuting the code.

Reported by police

Last year, Bariya Ibrahim Magazu was spotted by the police in her village as being pregnant. They then reported her to the courts.

Sharia provisions

Based on the Koran

Provides an overall ethical framework for Muslims

Includes prayers, fasting, charity - as well as a legal code

Women should veil themselves

Physical punishment for crimes - including amputation, flogging, stoning

When asked by the court to identify the father, she named three middle-aged famers in her village as possible fathers, but several witnesses were unable to confirm her claim.

As a result, the judge sentenced the girl to receive 100 lashes for engaging in pre-marital sex and 80 lashes for making unsubstantiated claims against the three men.

Divisions

Last August, two motorcycle taxi riders in Zamfara were lashed in punishment for carrying female Muslim passengers.

The spread of Sharia divides opinions

The divisions which Sharia has opened up have provided Nigeria's new democratic government with one of its most difficult challenges.

Correspondents say the issue has polarised opinion in Nigeria, where it is opposed by the predominantly Christian south.

Muslims in northern Nigeria feel strongly that Sharia has been misunderstood by Christians, who have tended to concentrate on the punishments.

But it also has massive popular appeal to those who believe it will help root out corruption and restore moral values.

Critics say public floggings for pre-marital sex violate the constitution and are an infringement of human rights.