Indonesia: Couples canned for public display of affection
In Aceh province of Indonesia, several unmarried couples were caned in front of a crowd for showing affection publicly. Two women accused of prostitution were also caned in front of the overenthusiastic mob. Located at the tip of the island of Sumatra, Aceh is the only area in Muslim majority Indonesia to implement Sharia Laws in 2001. Here are the details.
The Sharia police wanted to convict the six young people of 'zina' (unlawful sexual intercourse including adultery) but lacked enough evidence. If proven, they would have been caned more times as opposed to 11 to 22 lashes which they received. The women accused of prostitution were caned 11 times. One of them showed discomfort after the fifth one; she was given water and then punished.
Earlier this month, the province governor announced canings of guilty will be moved indoors, making this probably the last punishment put on public display. However, over thousands protested outside the Banda Aceh mayor's office, on Thursday, against the ruling. According to them, an indoor punishment will reduce its effect. Human rights bodies have demanded to abolish caning altogether, calling it a form of torture.
The flogging of a gay couple in 2017, 83 times, was followed by a global outcry, The decision to move punishment indoors is seen as a result of the outrage. Leaders are also worried videos of caning may make the country less appealing to investors. Adhering to Sharia bylaws, Aceh flogged 339 people in 2016 for offenses ranging from adultery to gambling.
