Couple Endure Severe Public Caning Under Aceh's Strict Sharia Code
A man and a woman have been subjected to a brutal public punishment in Indonesia, receiving 140 lashes each from sharia police for engaging in sexual relations outside of marriage and consuming alcohol. The incident occurred in Banda Aceh, the capital of the province of Aceh, which stands as the only region in the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation to enforce a version of Islamic sharia law.
Public Flogging Witnessed by Dozens in Park Setting
According to an AFP reporter present at the scene, the couple were struck on their backs with a rattan stick in a public park while dozens of onlookers watched the proceedings. The severity of the punishment was such that the woman fainted after enduring her allocated strokes and had to be carried to an ambulance for medical attention. This public display of corporal punishment highlights the rigorous enforcement of moral codes in the province.
Breakdown of Punishment and Historical Context
Muhammad Rizal, the head of Banda Aceh's Sharia police, detailed that the total of 140 lashes was divided into 100 strokes for the offence of sex outside marriage and an additional 40 for consuming alcohol. This number is believed to be among the highest counts of cane lashes imposed since sharia was implemented in Aceh following the granting of special autonomy in 2001. The punishment underscores the province's unwavering commitment to its Islamic legal framework.
No Exceptions Made, Including for Sharia Police Members
The couple were among six individuals flogged for violating the Islamic code on this occasion. Notably, the group included a sharia police officer and his female partner, who were caught in close proximity in a private setting. That pair received 23 strikes each, demonstrating that the authorities apply the law uniformly. Rizal emphasised this point, stating, 'As promised, we make no exceptions, especially not for our own members.' He added, 'This certainly tarnishes our name,' acknowledging the reputational impact of such incidents within the enforcement body itself.
Broad Support for Caning as a Deterrent Measure
Caning retains substantial public support in Aceh as a prescribed punishment for a range of offences under sharia law. These include:
- Gambling activities
- Drinking alcoholic beverages
- Engaging in homosexual acts
- Having sexual relations outside the bounds of marriage
This incident follows a similar case from last year, where two men were publicly flogged 76 times each after being found guilty of sexual relations by a sharia court. The consistent application of these punishments reflects the province's dedication to upholding its interpretation of Islamic principles through judicial means.
The enforcement of such strict penalties continues to draw international attention to Aceh's unique legal status within Indonesia, raising questions about human rights and the implementation of religious law in modern society.
