Indonesian couple receives 140 canes for Sharia Violations
The young couple was found guilty for having sexual relations outside of marriage, and drinking alcohol. These offenses violated the strict Sharia laws in Aceh. After receiving the most strokes ever in Aceh, the 21-year old woman fainted after being given 100 strokes by the judge for having sexual relations with someone outside of marriage.
Three female police officers struck her alternately with a cane made of rattan. The punishment caused her to collapse and she was taken away by the officers in an ambulance.
The Public Capping in Aceh attracted international attention
The practice has been criticized by rights groups for many years as being inhumane. Azharul Husna is the Aceh Coordinator for Kontras Indonesian Rights Group. He said that the caning laws in the Aceh province are not properly supervised.
Human Rights Concerns Over Caning Practices
Public caning is widely used in Aceh, which has led to debates on human rights and treatment. Sharia advocates claim that it is a deterrent to crime.
International observers have called for reforms to balance the local tradition with human rights.
