BBC News Online: World: Africa

Nigerian flogging condemned

The Canadian foreign ministry said it was particularly unhappy that 17-year-old girl had received her flogging before the outcome of an appeal against her conviction.

A government spokesman, Bashir Sanda, said the flogging, announced on Monday, went ahead because local authorities wanted to bring an early end to the storm of international criticism.

The girl, Bariya Ibrahim Magazu, was sentenced under Islamic law after three men forced her into having sex last September.

She was made pregnant in the incident and her punishment was deferred by the authorities in the northern state of Zamfara until two weeks after she had given birth.

Human rights groups and the Canadian Government protested vehemently when the sentence was passed last year.

Our correspondent also says she had received several marriage proposals after her beating and had accepted one of her suitors.

Pregnant

Reports say that a crowd of about 100 people gathered to watch.

Human rights groups in Nigeria have been quick to condemn the lashings with one women's group, which had been lobbying for Bariya, saying it was shocked and surprised.

Divisive issue

Since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999, eight northern states have introduced Islamic law, known as Sharia.

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.