Brunei to bring in tough new sharia law

Kate Hodal
theguardian.com, Tuesday 22 October 2013 15.38 BST

Brunei plans to implement a tough new sharia criminal code next year that could see citizens stoned for adultery or having a limb amputated for theft.

Those convicted of drinking alcohol or committing other violations – such as abortion – could be flogged.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah – who is thought to be worth about $20bn (£12.3bn) and exercises tight control over the Muslim-majority country – described the legislation as "part of the great history of our nation" and a form of "special guidance" from God.

"It is because of our need that Allah the Almighty, in all his generosity, has created laws for us, so that we can utilise them to obtain justice," the 67-year-old was quoted as saying in local media.

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