The flogging generated public outrage including lawmakers and human rights activists saying it's a form of torture.
More than 100 people witnessed the incidence in a Shariah courtroom in northeast Terengganu state.
Defending the punishment, the Muslim Lawyers’ Association deputy president Abdul Rahim Sinwan said contrary to caning under civil laws, the punishment under Islamic laws isn’t harsh and was meant to educate the women so they will repent. The women, dressed in white headscarves and clothing, didn’t cry or scream but "showed remorse". "Repentance is the ultimate aim for their sin," he added.
Human rights groups bashed the punishment as a setback for human rights and said it could worsen discrimination against people in Malaysia's lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender community.
Amnesty International Malaysia said in a statement.
Caning is a form of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and may amount to torture. People should not live in fear because they are attracted to people of the same sex. The Malaysian authorities must immediately repeal repressive laws, outlaw torturous punishments and ratify the U.N. Convention Against Torture.
Opposition lawmaker Khairy Jamaluddin tweeted:
"Islam teaches us to look after the dignity of every human being. And that mercy is preferable to punishment."Lawmaker Charles Santiago said the government must repeal all laws that criminalize homosexuality.
Amnesty International Malaysia said in a statement.
"Caning is a form of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and may amount to torture. People should not live in fear because they are attracted to people of the same sex. The Malaysian authorities must immediately repeal repressive laws, outlaw torturous punishments and ratify the U.N. Convention Against Torture."Thilaga Sulathireh, from the group Justice for Sisters who witnessed the caning, said she was shocked by the public spectacle. She said Malaysian laws were inconsistent because civil laws prohibit corporal punishment against female prisoners.
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