In Indonesia, 83 men were punished for homosexuality
On Tuesday, 83 of the men were punished for homosexuality in ultra-conservative Aceh province, Indonesia.
Hundreds of people turned out to witness a public punishment, which was held at a mosque in Banda Aceh, Aceh province, people removed the punishment on the phone. It happens very rarely, even in Aceh, which follows strict Islamic law, that two men can be punished for sexual relations.
Men aged 20 and 23 were arrested in March. According to human rights activists, neighbors burst into the apartment and caught them naked on camera. The video was widely circulated in the local media. They were subsequently found guilty of violating the strict Islamic laws in Aceh, and was sentenced to 85 lashes.
The place of punishment strictly controlled. The young men put next with four other couples who were found guilty in an intimate relationship outside of marriage. The punishment began at 9 a.m. local time and ended after 4 hours. Unlike the rest of Indonesia, Aceh follows strict Islamic laws that recognize sexual activity outside of marriage and same-sex relationships illegal. During sentencing the chief justice Chairil Jamal said that both the accused is clearly guilty.
"No evidence was found to justify and forgive them, so they should be punished according to the law," he said.
LGBT activists and human rights groups condemned the sentence. "These young people just wanted to live their lives, and to have their private life respected".
Public punishment came a few days after over 100 people were arrested in the gym and sauna in North Jakarta, accused of participation in the party for gays.
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