Brunei backs down on same sex death penalty
Brunei has pushed back on its threat to execute people convicted of adultery and gay sex, signalling an apparent relaxing of its recently implemented hard-line policy.
There has been a huge backlash against the country when the harsh shariah law came into effect, and now Brunei’s leader says the country will continue its moratorium on executions.
"As evident for more than two decades, we have practiced a de facto moratorium on the death penalty for cases under the common law. This will also be applied to cases under the" Shariah penal code," Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
The newly enacted Islamic laws sparked protests around the world, impacting the Dorchester Collection hotel group, which is owned by Brunei’s leader and national flag carrier Royal Brunei.
Brunei had planned to enact the death penalty for gay sex back in 2013 but a similar international outcry put that on hold.
The Sultan said there were ‘many questions and misperceptions with regard to the implementation’ of the laws.
The country still has harsh penalties for a number of other crimes such as theft including whipping and amputation.
The oil rich state has been prioritising tourism in recent years but the past few months has taken its toll on its credibility as a welcoming destination for tourists.
"The reality is this is all about trying to abate the international pressure coming on Brunei," said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch, who said ‘the Brunei brand is taking a hard hit.’
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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