Indonesian Woman Received 26 Lashes (Photo)

Pictures have surfaced of a public caning of an Indonesian woman, showing the consequences of violating Sharia law in Aceh province, Indonesia.

The images show a figure entirely covered in a solid black robe and white mask taking a switch to the woman’s back as she covers her face. The masked figure, who appeared to be doling out the woman’s punishment, was reportedly a religious officer, according to The Independent.

Two accompanying women, who looked on during the woman’s punishment, came to assist the convicted woman when her punishment was completed.

One image published by the Daily Mail showed a doctor checking the victim’s pulse as she hid her face from the crowd.

She was reportedly whipped 26 times. The people in the photos were not named.

The woman, who remained anonymous despite the images of her punishment, had allegedly broken Sharia law by associating with a man whom she was not married to. She was also accused of committing adultery.

Accompanying photos showed a man being flogged in the same way and in the same venue. The man is presumed to be the person with whom the depicted woman had an affair.

The man was flogged by two male police officers. He received an equivalent punishment of 26 lashes.

Since 2001, the province of Aceh has had special authority to carry out these types of punishments for infractions viewed as in violation of the province’s interpretation of Sharia law.

Aceh province is currently the only part of Indonesia, a Muslim-majority nation, where Sharia law is followed in this way.

Other offenses in the province that could garner this type of punishment include gambling, drinking alcohol, homosexual practices and adultery.

Aceh recently imposed laws banning women from entertainment venues after 11 p.m. if they are not chaperoned by either their husband or a male family member.

Sources: Daily Mail, The Independent / Photo credit: Si Gam/Wikimedia Commons, EPA via Daily Mail