[JURIST] Pakistan's Supreme Court [official website] on Monday began hearing an appeal by Mukhtar Mai [BBC profile] against the acqittal of five men who allegedly brutalized her in a gang-rape that attracted national and international attention and condemnation. Mai was raped in 2002, allegedly on the orders of a traditional village council after her younger brother offended the honor of a large clan by befriending a female member. Originally, six men were convicted of the crime but these five were acquitted on appeal and the sixth had his sentenced reduced [JURIST report] to life in prison. The decision was widely denounced around the globe, but Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf [Wikipedia profile] fueled more anger earlier this month by temporarily banning Mai from leaving the country to speak about her ordeal. Mai's passport has since been returned to her and she is now free to travel. AFP has more.