UN slams Brunei law on stoning

GENEVA: The United Nations yesterday decried “cruel and inhuman” laws set to take effect in Brunei this week that impose death by stoning for gay sex and adultery and amputations for theft.

“I appeal to the government to stop the entry into force of this draconian new Penal Code, which would mark a serious setback for human rights protections for the people of Brunei,” said UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet.

Brunei, an absolute monarchy ruled for 51 years by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, said it would implement the new laws tomorrow.

Brunei announced the measures in 2013, but implementation was delayed in the face of opposition by rights groups, and as officials worked out the practical details. The new law stipulates the death penalty for rape, adultery, sodomy, robbery and insulting or defaming Prophet Muhammad.

Bachelet said UN rights experts had “expressed their concerns about the cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments contained in the Penal Code order”.

She urged Brunei to uphold the tradition of not applying its death penalty laws. The country last carried out an execution in 1957.