Sudanese journalist Lubna Hussein, right, who faces 40 lashes on the charge of 'indecent dressing,' flashes a victory sign to her supporters as she enters the court in Khartoum on Tuesday. (Abd Raouf/ Associated Press)

Sudanese police used tear gas and wielded batons as dozens of protesters rallied outside a Khartoum court on Tuesday in support of a woman facing 40 lashes for wearing pants in public.

About 50 protesters, mostly women, came out to support Lubna Hussein, a former journalist and UN press officer who is accused of violating the Islamic dress code. She has been charged with committing an indecent act.

Police broke up the demonstration. No injuries were immediately reported but witnesses said police beat up one of Hussein's lawyers, Manal Awad Khogali, while keeping media and cameras at bay, The Associated Press reported.

The public order police raided a popular cafe in Khartoum early last month, arresting Hussein and 12 other women. Ten of the women were flogged at a police station two days later and fined 250 Sudanese pounds, or about $120. But Hussein, who has sought to publicize the case, and two others decided to go on trial.

Trousers on women are considered indecent under the strict interpretation of Islamic law, adopted by Sudan's Islamic regime, which came to power after a coup led by President Omar al-Bashir in 1989. But activists and lawyers say the implementation of the law is arbitrary.

The judge adjourned Hussein's trial for a month to seek clarification from Sudan's foreign ministry.

With files from The Associated Press