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             Brunei Begins Phasing in Strict Version of Islamic Law

   by VOA News

   Brunei has begun phasing in a strict form of Islamic law that calls for
   harsh punishments including flogging, severing of limbs and stoning.
   Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has hailed the new criminal code as a "great
   achievement" for the small Southeast Asian nation of just over 400,000
   people.
   Under the first phase introduced Thursday, citizens can be fined or
   jailed for offenses such as indecent behavior or failing to perform
   Friday prayers.
   More severe punishments will be introduced soon, including severing of
   limbs or beatings for theft and death by stoning for sodomy and
   adultery.
   Brunei Islamic authorities defend the criminal code, saying a high
   degree of proof and approval by judges will be required before
   punishments are carried out.
   Many Brunei citizens, foreign governments and international rights
   groups call the new rules oppressive.
   Human Rights Watch says the move is a step toward "brutal medieval
   punishments that have no place in the modern, 21st century world."
   Brunei already bans the sale of alcohol and Islamic courts rule over
   some family-related matters, such as marriage and inheritance.
   Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world's richest men, exercises near
   complete control over the tiny, energy-rich country.
   The sultan said in a speech Wednesday the new code is "not for fun, but
   is to obey Allah's command as written in the Quran."
   Interpretations of Islamic law vary widely in Muslim-majority countries
   where it is practiced, as there is no single document in which it is
   explicitly outlined.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/brunei-begins-phasing-in-strict-versi
   on-of-islamic-law/1905061.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/brunei-begins-phasing-in-strict-version-of-islamic-law/1905061.html