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Brunei to implement death by stoning as punishment for homosexuality

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Brunei to implement death by stoning as punishment for homosexuality

The South-east Asian country of Brunei is introducing strict new Islamic laws that makes gay sex an offence punishable by stoning to death.

The new measures, set to begin Wednesday, also cover other crimes including punishment for theft by amputation.

In a public address on Wednesday, the country’s sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah who called for stronger Islamic teachings said the country needed to be firmly rooted in it.

Read also: Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika bows to pressure, resigns from office

The move has however triggered international condemnation and outcry.

Homosexuality was already illegal in Brunei and punishable by up to 10 years in jail.

Brunei has retained the death penalty but has not carried out an execution since 1957.

The death penalty would apply to offences such as rape, adultery, sodomy, robbery, and insult or defamation of the Prophet Muhammad.

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