Sharia police in Indonesia’s Aceh province publicly caned an unmarried couple 140 times each on Thursday for having sex outside marriage and consuming alcohol. The punishment was carried out in a public park as dozens of onlookers watched.
The woman fainted after the punishment and was taken to an ambulance, according to an AFP journalist who witnessed the scene. Both individuals were struck on the back with a rattan cane, as required by local regulations.
One of the Harshest Sentences Since Sharia Began
Officials said the couple received 100 lashes for sexual relations outside marriage and another 40 lashes for drinking alcohol. Muhammad Rizal, head of Banda Aceh’s sharia police, confirmed the sentence.
Human rights observers say the punishment is among the most severe since Aceh began enforcing Islamic law after gaining special autonomy in 2001. Aceh is the only province in Indonesia that applies a form of sharia law. (Reuters)
No Exceptions Under the Law
The couple was among six people punished that day for breaking the Islamic code. One of those punished was a sharia police officer and his female partner, who were caught together in a private place.
That pair received 23 lashes each. Rizal said the punishment showed that authorities make no exceptions. “As promised, we make no exceptions, especially not for our own members,” he said, adding that the incident damaged the agency’s reputation.
Strict Rules in Indonesia’s Aceh Province
Caning remains legal in Aceh and is widely supported by local leaders. It is used to punish offenses such as gambling, drinking alcohol, sexual relations outside marriage, and same sex relationships.
Men can also be punished for missing Friday prayers. Last year, two men were publicly caned 76 times each after being convicted of sexual relations by a sharia court. They were caught hugging and kissing in a public bathroom. (BBC)
Autonomy Limits National вмешательство
Indonesia does not have a national law banning homosexual relations. However, under the special autonomy granted to Aceh, the federal government cannot intervene in how sharia law is enforced in the province.
International human rights groups continue to criticize public caning as cruel and degrading. Despite the criticism, Aceh officials say the punishments will continue as part of enforcing moral standards in the region.
The latest public flogging has once again drawn global attention to Aceh’s strict interpretation of Islamic law and the ongoing debate between local autonomy and human rights.