This post, written by Lucinda Marshall, originally appeared on Feminist Peace Network

The Saudis are continuing to piously justify the recent sentencing of a 19 year old victim of a gang rape to 6 months in jail and 200 lashes for idling in a car with men who were not her relatives, issuing the following statement, according to the Toronto Star
""We reiterate that judicial rulings in this virtuous country ... are based on God's book and the traditions of his Prophet and that no ruling is issued without being based on evidence," said the statement carried by official news agency SPA."
More ominously, the court has said that if the woman appeals the sentence and continues to use the media to raise awareness of the case, it is possible that the sentence will be increased, giving the clear message that the Saudis also consider it a crime to shed light on their deeply misogynist laws.
"The woman's husband has told local media they would appeal, even though the judge had warned that the sentence could be increased again if she loses the appeal.