Indonesia Wants Non-Muslims Tried by Shari’a Court
Charles Johnson
Tue May 2, 2006 at 8:44 am PDT • Views: 216
The “moderate” Muslim state of Indonesia is now insisting that non-Muslims be tried by Aceh’s shari’a courts. (Hat tip: Robert O.)
Because if they have the choice to be tried under the modern Criminal Code, they would probably choose not to be stoned or have limbs amputated.
Banda Aceh, 26 April (AKI/Jakarta Post) - The Indonesian government has insisted that Muslims and non-Muslims alike in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam district of Muslim-devout Aceh province should be tried by a planned Islamic Court. Non-Muslims accused of committing crimes such as theft and adultery, would be tried under the Sharia inspired bylaws, state secretary Yusril Ihza Mahendra told the special committee deliberating a crucial bill on Aceh’s future administration.
Mahendra, responding to the proposals of several legislators who wanted non-Muslims to be given the freedom to choose under which law they would be tried, said it would only create legal uncertainty.
“Should such freedom be given, non-Muslims will certainly choose to be tried under the Criminal Code, because it carries more lenient punishment,” Yusril told the hearing, held to discuss the authority of the planned Islamic Court, also known as Mahkamah Sharia.
Yusril said that in the case of adultery, non-Muslims who committed adultery with Muslims would undoubtedly opt for trial by Indonesia’s penal code, because it was more lenient than stoning or other forms of corporal punishment stipulated under Islamic Law.
Frank says: