This will, of course, lead to a systematic denial of equality of rights to non-Muslims if Sharia is fully implemented. “Indonesia: Government Wants Non-Muslims Tried By Acheh Islamic Court,” from AKI, with thanks to Nicolei:
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.