Nigerian Girl Spared Stoning...But Father Should Have Received 80 Lashes

I have been following this story for a while now. An 18 year old unwed teenager was found guilty of adultery, and sentenced to stoning. The Upper Shariah Court reversed the sentence, saying the man she was accused of having a relationship with has denied that relationship. But the Court also said her father should have received 80 lashes.

Story Here

The story comes from Al-Jazeera, so it is hardly biased against Islamic law.

My question is: a) why would the father be sentenced? Anyone with knowledge of Shariah Law? b) Is Shariah Law observed in a select few countries? Are there any outspoken Muslim critics of Shariah Law?

I really felt for this girl, and the myriad of others who might suffer the fate she was spared.

[edit on 10-11-2004 by nathraq]

From your own source:

Therefore, the lower court should have dismissed the case and sentenced Hajara's father who was the plaintiff to 80 lashes for slander."

Jack

Missed the "slander" part.

I'm a 'tard.

Thanks Jak-o