The amorous couples and sex workers were publicly whipped for breaking Islamic law in just a week after it pledged to take the widely condemned practice indoors. [Chaideer Mahyuddin, AFP]A group of amorous couples and alleged sex workers were publicly whipped for breaking Islamic law in Indonesia's Aceh Friday, just a week after the province pledged to move the widely condemned practice indoors. The conservative region on the northern tip of Sumatra island passed a regulation a week ago that would see criminals whipped only behind prison walls. ProtestsRights groups have derided it as cruel and last year President Joko Widodo called for an end to public whippings in Aceh. The new rule has generated protests from conservative groups who see public whippings as having a strong deterrent effect on crime.

Source: Standard Digital April 21, 2018 07:18 UTC