Eighteen people were caned in public for breaking Islamic law in Banda Aceh, Indonesia on Tuesday. Among those punished were an amorous unmarried couple who were caught spending time alone together.
A 19-year-old woman and 21-year-old man were reportedly in close relationship and khalwat (affectionate contact by an unmarried couple), which is unlawful for unmarried Muslim couples in the province.
Both lovers were lashed with a cane alongside 16 other offenders in full view of yelling crowd outside the mosque. Newly released photographs show a woman and a man humbly kneeling with their heads down as a hooded man brutally whip them on a stage.
Aceh province is the only one of Indonesia’s 34 provinces that imposed Sharia customs and laws. This year, the local government banned Valentine’s Day celebrations, threatening to punish those presenting greeting cards, sweets or flowers.
Adultery, homosexual acts, sex outside marriage, drinking alcohol, gambling and other offences are punishable with sentences handed down by Islamic courts, including public whipping.
Amnesty International has repeatedly called for an end to caning in province, saying it goes against international laws on torture and human rights, as well as Indonesia’s own constitution.
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