A 42-year-old man was publicly flogged inside a mosque in Malaysia’s Terengganu state on Friday after being convicted of an Islamic offense known as “khalwat.”
The man, a construction worker, was found guilty by a Sharia court for spending time alone with a woman who was neither his wife nor a close relative.
He received six lashes as part of his punishment, marking the first time a Sharia court-ordered caning was carried out outside of a formal court setting, according to state news agency Bernama.
The Incident
The man, dressed in an orange inmate’s jumpsuit, was brought to the mosque in a prison van after Friday prayers. An audience of approximately 90 people was allowed to witness the caning, which took place inside the mosque. The punishment, in accordance with Islamic law, is aimed at deterring behavior considered immoral under Sharia law.
Legal and Public Reactions
The Malaysian Bar Association expressed “profound concern” over the caning, arguing that such punishments strip individuals of their dignity. The association criticized the use of public flogging as a form of justice.
However, some local spectators defended the punishment. Mohd Sabri Muhammad, a 37-year-old observer, stated that he hoped the caning would act as a deterrent for those “tempted to commit immoral acts.” He cited occasions like Valentine’s Day and New Year’s as times when young people might engage in inappropriate behavior.
Sharia Law in Malaysia
Malaysia’s legal system is a dual-track system, with Islamic courts handling matters related to Muslim citizens, including certain offenses under Sharia law. Caning, a common punishment in Sharia courts, typically involves striking a fully clothed person, and critics argue that its intent is not only to physically punish but also to humiliate the individual.
Previous Cases of Sharia Court Caning
Sharia court-ordered caning is rare but not unprecedented in Malaysia. In 2018, two women convicted of having sexual relations outside of marriage were publicly caned in an Islamic court in front of more than 100 spectators.
Human Rights Concerns
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia has spoken out against punishments involving physical violence and public humiliation, stating that such practices have no place in a modern justice system. The commission’s statement follows the recent flogging and reflects ongoing concerns over the compatibility of certain Sharia punishments with international human rights standards.
