 |
| Brunei ruler Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announced the implementation of Sharia punishments on Wednesday |
Sharia punishments that will include the severing of limbs for theft and death by stoning for adulterers will be brought in over three years.
In April, the UN voiced "deep concern" about the planned change.
Brunei already adheres to a stronger form of Islamic law than neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia, banning the sale and consumption of alcohol.
The tiny state, on the island of Borneo, is ruled by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and has grown rich on oil and gas exports.
Almost three-quarters of those who live there are Malay Muslims, but there are sizeable Buddhist and Christian communities.
'Degrading treatment'
The move - delayed from last week - came from the Sultan.
"Today... I place my faith in and am grateful to Allah the almighty to announce that tomorrow, Thursday 1 May 2014, will see the enforcement of Sharia law phase one, to be followed by the other phases," AFP news agency quoted him as saying.
The penal code will be introduced over three years, with offences in the first phase covered by fines and prison sentences, the Brunei Times reported.
Amputations come under the second phase, and stoning, for crimes including adultery and homosexual acts, under the third phase. » | Wednesday, April 30, 2014
A new era for Brunei »
Brunei: Steinigung und Amputation werden Teil des Strafrechts »
