Outcry Over Public Caning of LGBTQ Individuals in Aceh

Two young men in Indonesia's Aceh province faced public caning for a same-sex relationship, stirring calls from Amnesty International to end the practice. While ACEH operates under Sharia law, the entire country frowns upon homosexuality. Amnesty urges revocation of caning laws amidst rising cases.

In a deeply disturbing event highlighting ongoing human rights issues, two young Indonesian men were publicly caned in Aceh province on Thursday for engaging in a same-sex relationship, as per Islamic Sharia law enforced in the region. This has prompted Amnesty International to fervently call for an end to such inhumane punishments.

The caning took place at a regional government hall, executed by hooded officers and witnessed by an audience, including the men's family members. The perpetrators were punished with 77 and 82 lashes, respectively, before being sent home, highlighting the severe stance Aceh province takes against LGBTQ relations.

Amnesty's deputy regional director, Montse Ferrer, labeled the flogging as an appalling discrimination act, stressing that consensual sexual relations between adults should not be criminalized. She urged Indonesian authorities to revoke the harsh bylaws. Aceh continues to implement caning for various offenses, casting a grim spotlight on its penal code.