Thursday, August 20, 2009

Malay MODEL TO GET SIX LASHES FOR DRINKING BEER



Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno will become the first woman in Malaysia to face the punishment, imposed under Islamic law.

The 32-year-old Muslim will receive six lashes with a rattan cane next week.

She was caught drinking alcohol during a raid on a hotel nightclub in Pahang state last year.

She admitted the offence at a religious court and will not appeal against the sentence, which also includes a fine of £860.

The part-time model will be released from prison “as soon as possible” after the caning is carried out.

Some politicians and women’s rights activists have criticised the penalty as being too harsh.

But prosecutor Saiful Idham Sahimi said the sentence was meant to educate rather than punish.

He said the cane would be lighter than the one used on men, adding: “This is the first case in Malaysia.

“It is a good punishment because under Islamic law a person who drinks commits a serious offence.”


Malaysia’s alcohol ruling only applies to Muslims, who make up two-thirds of the population.

Most offenders are fined, but can be given a three-year prison term and a caning.

Most Malaysian clubs and lounges serve alcohol and are not legally required to check if customers are Muslims before serving them.

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