Indonesian couple publicly caned for kissing on TikTok

Sweden Herald - A young couple in Indonesia's strict Islamic province of Aceh have been publicly caned for kissing outside marriage on TikTok, an act seen as a violation of Sharia law.

The two were each to be whipped 25 times with a rattan cane for kissing outside marriage, according to the court's ruling. The number of lashes was later reduced to 21 each because they had already served four months in prison.

At least 100 people witnessed the punishment, which was carried out on a stage in Banda Aceh by people wearing capes and hoods.

The couple, a 22-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman, were arrested in April after a live broadcast on February 27 in which they kissed in a car.

Under the law, up to 100 lashes can be imposed for moral crimes, including adultery and same-sex sex. Caning can also be imposed for certain other crimes.