yemeni law at the time set the minimum age for marriage at fifteen, but families had been allowed to marry off younger girls, by stipulating in the marriage contract that sex with these young brides is forbidden until an undefined time when they are considered "ready." in court, nasser argued that ali’s marriage violated the law, since she was raped. ali rejected the judge's proposal that she resume living with her husband after a break of three to five years. on april 15, 2008, the court granted her a divorce.