A couple was publicly flogged with a rattan cane on their backs before dozens of onlookers at a park in Banda Aceh city, Aceh province on 29/1. The woman fainted after receiving her punishment and was taken to an ambulance.

Each individual received 140 lashes: 100 for extramarital sex and 40 for consuming alcohol, according to Muhammad Rizal, head of the Sharia police force in Banda Aceh.

The woman cried as she was flogged in Banda Aceh city, Aceh province on 29/1. Photo: AFP.

This is considered one of the highest flogging sentences since Aceh province adopted Sharia Islamic law after being granted special autonomy in 2001. Sharia law strictly prohibits sexual relations between unmarried individuals.

In addition to the couple, four other individuals were also flogged at the park for violating Islamic law. Among them, a Sharia police officer and his female companion each received 23 lashes for being in close proximity in a private space.

"As we have committed, there are no exceptions for anyone, including members of our own force. This incident has clearly tarnished our reputation," Rizal said.

Flogging remains strongly supported in Aceh, the only province in Indonesia that enforces Sharia law, for various offenses such as gambling, consuming alcohol, homosexual relations, and extramarital sex. Last year, two men were publicly flogged 76 times each after a Sharia court convicted them of engaging in homosexual relations.

Huyen Le (According to AFP)