Sex between homosexuals can be punished with death by stoning in Brunei
In the future, sex between homosexuals can be punished with death by stoning in Brunei. Despite international protests, the sultanate is tightening its criminal legislation. Even thieves are threatened with tougher punishments.
Those living in a homosexual relationships have been threatened with up to ten years imprisonment in Brunei. In the future, homosexuals will have to fear for their lives there: By order of the government and with the approval of the authoritarian ruling sultan, the death penalty for sex between men or between women applies in Brunei on 3 April. Public chastisements with the stick or stoning are then possible.
Criticism of human rights activists
Human rights activists reacted with dismay. "This is a terrible decision," said Michael Büttner of Human Rights Watch. The death penalty is already cruel and inhuman. "The fact that it is now to be imposed in Brunei against homosexuals is completely absurd and a serious setback in the fight for the rights of homosexuals worldwide." Büttner called on the international community to make clear remarks to Brunei "so that the decision will be reversed".
Amnesty International also condemned the new legislation as "cruel" and appealed to the sultanate to renounce such "inhuman punishment".
The penalties for theft are also being tightened. In future, thieves will have to expect that their hands and legs will be amputated. Even children are affected by the case law.
The basis for this legal punishment is the Sharia Law, the Islamic jurisprudence. The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, had introduced the Shariah Penal Code in 2014 to strengthen the influence of Islam in the tiny, oil-rich monarchy on the island of Borneo.
Bolkiah - one of the richest monarchs in the world - has governed since 1967 in the former British colony. Even the public sale of alcohol is prohibited there. A punishment with lashes threatens people who do not adhere to immigration rules. The death penalty in Brunei was previously possible in murder, terrorism or drug-related crimes. In recent years, however, no executions were known.
Travel and Safety Information for Brunei | Ministry of Foreign Affair
Federal Foreign Office updates travel advice for Brunei
In its travel advice, the Federal Foreign Office recommends all Brunei visitors to familiarize themselves with the new regulations. "Individual offenses in Sharia law also affect non-Muslims - especially if a participating part is Muslim," read there.
Brunei is about the size of Cyprus and has about 430,000 inhabitants, of whom 80 percent profess Islam. Because of the rich oil and gas reserves, the per capita income is about as high as in Spain. Brunei has an education and health system that is considered exemplary. Amnesty International, however, complains, among other things, of restricting the freedom of thought, conscience and religion and of discriminating against women.
Those living in a homosexual relationships have been threatened with up to ten years imprisonment in Brunei. In the future, homosexuals will have to fear for their lives there: By order of the government and with the approval of the authoritarian ruling sultan, the death penalty for sex between men or between women applies in Brunei on 3 April. Public chastisements with the stick or stoning are then possible.
Criticism of human rights activists
Human rights activists reacted with dismay. "This is a terrible decision," said Michael Büttner of Human Rights Watch. The death penalty is already cruel and inhuman. "The fact that it is now to be imposed in Brunei against homosexuals is completely absurd and a serious setback in the fight for the rights of homosexuals worldwide." Büttner called on the international community to make clear remarks to Brunei "so that the decision will be reversed".
Amnesty International also condemned the new legislation as "cruel" and appealed to the sultanate to renounce such "inhuman punishment".
The penalties for theft are also being tightened. In future, thieves will have to expect that their hands and legs will be amputated. Even children are affected by the case law.
The basis for this legal punishment is the Sharia Law, the Islamic jurisprudence. The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, had introduced the Shariah Penal Code in 2014 to strengthen the influence of Islam in the tiny, oil-rich monarchy on the island of Borneo.
Bolkiah - one of the richest monarchs in the world - has governed since 1967 in the former British colony. Even the public sale of alcohol is prohibited there. A punishment with lashes threatens people who do not adhere to immigration rules. The death penalty in Brunei was previously possible in murder, terrorism or drug-related crimes. In recent years, however, no executions were known.
Travel and Safety Information for Brunei | Ministry of Foreign Affair
Federal Foreign Office updates travel advice for Brunei
In its travel advice, the Federal Foreign Office recommends all Brunei visitors to familiarize themselves with the new regulations. "Individual offenses in Sharia law also affect non-Muslims - especially if a participating part is Muslim," read there.
Brunei is about the size of Cyprus and has about 430,000 inhabitants, of whom 80 percent profess Islam. Because of the rich oil and gas reserves, the per capita income is about as high as in Spain. Brunei has an education and health system that is considered exemplary. Amnesty International, however, complains, among other things, of restricting the freedom of thought, conscience and religion and of discriminating against women.
