However, it was said that for crimes that fall under the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction in Chapter 184 of the Syariah Penal Code of 2013, “It is not the local authorities’ responsibility to go to every other country in the hope of keeping tabs of these misconducts committed by citizens and permanent residents of Brunei”, essentially clarifying that those who have committed such crimes will be charged should a complaint be made against them by the nation’s citizens or permanent residents for their public alcohol consumption in countries outside of Brunei.
In relation to that, it was clarified at the briefing that private alcohol consumption among non-Muslims is not a crime, be it in or out of the country.
Another most sought after clarification at the briefing was that of adultery, and what circumstances would qualify for the act to be fully punishable under the penal code. In the briefing, the panel of speakers clarified that circumstantial evidence will not suffice to fully prosecute an individual for the crime of adultery, thus giving an exemplary scenario in which four male witnesses would be present to testify against the adulterers. “Unless these four male witnesses can provide proof of penetration, the accused individuals will not be charged with adultery,” they said. » | Khal Baharulalam | Thursday, April 17, 2014
