Aceh to implement caning punishment

Aceh to implement caning punishment

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

In line with sharia law, the Aceh legislative council is
proposing that caning be one of the punishments for people who
tempt Muslims to desert religious teachings.

A special team set up by the council is drafting the bylaw in
response to Law No. 44/1999 on Aceh's special status and Law No.
18/2002 on special autonomy for Aceh.

Chairman of the special team Azhari Basar said that caning
would be imposed on those who propagated beliefs other than Islam
to Muslims in the province.

"Those who violate the ruling will face a maximum jail term of
two years and a maximum fine of Rp 6 million or 10 strokes of the
cane," he told Antara.

Azhari said that according to Article 17 of the draft, anyone
who skips Friday prayers three times in a row without an
acceptable reason would be fined a maximum of Rp 2 million, six
months in jail or three strokes of the cane.

"Caning also applies to those who open their food stalls
during Ramadhan (fasting month)," he said.

Food stall owners who sell food, beverages or cigarettes
publicly or secretly during the holy month will be fined a
maximum of Rp 4 million, spend one year in jail or receive five
strokes of the cane.

However, it is not clear who is in charge of carrying out the
caning punishment: the police or the sharia police.

The draft also states that anyone who prevents someone from
worship will face a maximum jail term of six months or a fine of
Rp 2 million.

People whose behavior or words disturb the worship of others
will face a maximum jail term of three months or a fine of Rp 1
million.