Brunei brings in new Islamic laws that include the death penalty, prompting fears that human rights could seriously be violated
The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, has expanded Sharia law to civil crimes. New offences include insulting the Prophet Muhammad, adultery, pregnancy outside of marriage and sodomy – the last of which brings a fatal stoning for those convicted. Consumption of alcohol or having an abortion will lead to you being flogged. Theft is punishable by amputation while the propagation of religions other than Islam, also now a crime, has forced Catholic priests to stop baptising babies. Both Human Rights Watch and the International Commission of Jurists have spoken against the new laws, believing it will lead to Human Rights violations. Previously civil courts, based on Britain’s legal system, had dealt with most criminal cases.
The laws, will also affect non-Muslims, about a third of the population, as well as the country’s Islamic majority. The Sultan has been pushing for the introduction of these laws, first announced in October of last year, for nearly 20 years. Though his western suit, close relationship with Britain, and a photo of him meeting with President Obama would seem to mark him out as Westernised, it has been widely reported that Sultan Bolkiah has been deeply troubled by the effect on Brunei of western led globalisation.
The Sultan has remarked that some, both in and out of Brunei, desire “internal turmoil” adding, “these parties, it seems, have attempted to mock the King, the Islamic acholars, and Sharia. They are using the new media such as blogs, Whatsapp and so on”.
Sharia, deriving from the Koran, the words of the Prophet Muhammad, and judgements issued by Islamic scholars, covers many areas of a Muslim’s life. It has received criticism from some quarters over judgments issued against women, including prevention from owning property and needing a husband’s consent for divorce.
Britain has significant links with Brunei, a former colony. The British Army not only uses the country for jungle training exercises, but also has a regiment of Ghurkhas stationed there – paid for by the Sultan out of his estimated $20 billion plus fortune. Additionally much of the country’s wealth flows through the City of London. With Brunei a key ally and centre for investment of British capital across South-East Asia, the government’s position towards these developments remains unclear, although a government spokesperson has confirmed that discussions between the Ministry of Defence and the Bruneian authorities are ongoing to see how these new laws might affect British soldiers.
Images: Wikipedia, Zimbio
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