Couples and ‘prostitutes’ publicly whipped in front of Indonesian mosque. File under “moderate Islam”

Three unmarried couples accused of “flirtatious behaviour” also received between 11 and 22 strokes.

Shariah police wanted to convict the couples of “zina” – unlawful sexual intercourse that includes sex outside marriage and adultery – which would have resulted in a greater number of lashes, but they lacked enough witnesses.

One of the two women convicted of prostitution held up her hands after the fifth lash to signal that the pain was too intense.

After a quick break she was given a drink and painfully lashed another six times.

Members of the crowd, which included tourists from Malaysia, cheered enthusiastically at each blow and recorded the punishment with their smartphones.
— Read on www.thesun.co.uk/news/6100684/couples-and-prostitutes-publicly-whipped-in-front-of-indonesian-mosque-for-breaking-islamic-law/