TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A gay couple with the initials of MT, 24, and MH, 20, will face a caning sentence today, May 23. Both have been found guilty by Banda Aceh Sharia Tribunal and sentenced to 85 strokes of the cane.
Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) and Sharia Police chief Yusnardi told Tempo yesterday that the punishment will be held at the yard of Lamgugob Mosque in Banda Aceh to coincide with the sentence for four couples (men and woman) in khalmat (adultery) cases.
Earlier last month, gay couple MH and MT was nabbed by locals for having gay sex in Darussalam, Banda Aceh before being handed over to the Sharia Police.
In the sentencing hearing held on May 17, the Sharia Tribunal sentenced the couple to 85 strokes of the cane. MH and MT are believed to be the first gay couple to be sentenced to caning by Aceh government.
They were found guilty of violating Qanun (Aceh Regional Law) No. 7/2014 on Criminal Law.
ADI WARSIDI