MALAYSIAN prime minister Mahathir Mohamad has attacked the public caning of two Muslim women for attempting to have sex, saying it tarnished Islam’s reputation as a merciful and compassionate religion.
The unnamed women, aged 22 and 32, were each struck with a cane six times.
The decision was called a form of torture by MPs and rights groups.
Mahathir broke his silence after Monday’s rare whipping of the two women, witnessed by more than 100 people.
Mahathir said the caning “did not reflect the justice or compassion of Islam”.
In a video on social media, he said that the women could have been given a lighter sentence and counselling because it was their first offence.
Islamic officials defended the caning, saying it was not meant to hurt the women, but was intended to educate them so they will repent.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here