Amnesty International slammed plans by Brunei to implement what the rights group called “vicious” Islamic criminal laws such as stoning to death for gay sex and amputation for theft.
Amnesty said in a statement that the new penalties, which also apply to children, are provided for in new sections under Brunei’s Sharia Penal Code and will come into effect April 3. The legal changes were announced in a discreet notice on the attorney general’s website, it said.“To legalize such cruel and inhuman penalties is appalling of itself,” said Rachel Chhoa-Howard, Brunei researcher at Amnesty International.
“Brunei must immediately halt its plans to implement these vicious punishments and revise its penal code in compliance with its human rights obligations,” Chhoa-Howard said. “The international community must urgently condemn Brunei’s move to put these cruel penalties into practice.”to bolster the influence of Islam in the tiny, oil-rich monarchy, which has long been known for conservative policies such as banning the public sale of liquor.
There has been no vocal opposition to the law in Brunei, where Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah rules as head of state with full executive authority. Public criticism of his policies is extremely rare in Brunei. The sultan, who has reigned since 1967, has previously said the Sharia Penal Code should be regarded as a form of “special guidance” from God and would be “part of the great history” of Brunei. Under secular laws, Brunei already prescribes caning as a penalty for crimes including immigration offenses, for which convicts can be flogged with a rattan cane.A digest of essential news, insight and analysis from L.A. Times editors.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Stoning gays? Amputating thieves? Brunei slammed for ‘vicious’ new lawsAmnesty International slams plans by Brunei to implement what the rights group called 'vicious' Islamic criminal laws such as stoning to death for gay sex and amputation for theft.
Read more »
Brunei to punish gay sex and adultery with death by stoningA new law which comes into effect from next week will punish homosexual sex and adultery with death in the small southeast Asian kingdom of Brunei.
Read more »
Brunei makes gay sex and adultery punishable by death by stoningIn announcing the new laws, the country's sultan was quoted as asking for 'respect' from international community.
Read more »
Death by stoning for gay sex, amputation for theft: Oil kingdom of Brunei to introduce extreme version of Sharia“Brunei is imitating the most conservative Arab states,” one LGBT activist said.
Read more »
Atheist Richard Dawkins compares Islam to Cancer, ridicules pro-Muslim liberal criticsRenowned atheist author Richard Dawkins ridiculed reports the predominately Muslim nation of Brunei plans to make homosexuality punishable by death, provoking his critics to once again accuse him of anti-Islamic “bigotry.”
Read more »
Brunei to punish gay sex and adultery with death by stoningA new law which comes into effect from next week will punish homosexual sex and adultery with death in the small southeast Asian kingdom of Brunei.
Read more »
Brunei makes gay sex and adultery punishable by death by stoningIn announcing the new laws, the country's sultan was quoted as asking for 'respect' from international community.
Read more »