Indonesian couple caned 140 times for sex and alcohol offences

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete January 30, 2026 at 07:53 AM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

In Aceh, Indonesia, a couple was publicly caned 140 times on Thursday for violating Sharia law by engaging in premarital sex and consuming alcohol. The 21-year-old woman fainted during the caning, which authorities stated was a record number of strokes. Four others were also caned for Sharia violations, including an Islamic police officer who received 23 strokes for being in close proximity with a woman in a private place. Aceh is the only province in Indonesia that enforces Sharia law, which includes public canings as punishment. Rights groups have criticized the practice as cruel, and some are calling for better regulations to support those who are caned.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Muhammad Rizal 40% Azharul Husna 40% Kontras 50% Islamic police force ×360% BBC Indonesian ×260% Sharia ×370% Indonesia ×280% Aceh ×790%

Keywords

public caning 100% sharia law 90% islamic law 80% sex outside marriage 70% aceh 60% alcohol offences 60% cruel punishment 50% indonesia 50% islamic police 40%