Jan. 12, Online
It is a serious blow to the credibility and morality of sharia police in Aceh as several members were detained for an alleged gang rape in Langsa regency.
Police in the regency said Tuesday they had arrested two sharia police officers, or Wilayatul Hisbah, for reportedly raping a female detainee at the Langsa Sharia Police Station.
The Langsa Police are also hunting down another suspect who is currently on the run. Langsa Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Yosi Muhammartha said the three suspects were accused of jointly raping a university student when she was held in a cell at the station.
The woman was gang-raped by the three sharia policemen during her interrogation, he added.
Yosi said the issue began when sharia police officers were conducting patrol on the night of Jan. 8, and found a couple on the side of the PTPN-1 Langsa ring road. The police brought the pair to the sharia police office in Langsa.
The suspects then questioned the couple in relation to violating the 2003 Sharia Public Indecency Bylaw.
Your comments:
The Aceh religious thugs raped an arrested woman in their office. If adulterers are stoned to death, what should be the fitting punishment for this crime?
Hadi
Surabaya
This case happened because there is a primitive justice system in Aceh that has given these thugs power over the citizens’ right to live their lives as they see fit, and in particular women.
If people wish to impose restraints upon themselves, that is one thing, but this barbaric, medieval form of justice is just a way to gain control over the masses by the government and the mosque.
The men who committed this crime are living proof that respect for women by men is truly lacking under sharia law.
Didi Karjadi
Bandung
I’m very disappointed at what happened in Aceh. In my opinion, this case happened because of lack of control from the thugs’ superiors and poor procedure to recruit new sharia police.
For instance, the person should be religious, have good morals and all good things. If this point is implemented, I’m sure this kind of travesty case will never ever happen again.
Syahran
Banda Aceh
If they really respected and upheld sharia law, then they must face the appropriate punishment!
Andy Short
Jakarta
Crime and power abuse equals severe punishment.
Eremem
Jakarta
This is what happens when religion is mixed with governance: intolerance and abuse in the name of a higher power.
Your other contributors hit it on the head – Nazi-like zealots who have been given too much power over ordinary citizens.
Eriks
Florida
Thugs and immoral people hide behind religious clothing. How can you rape an innocent girl? Shame on you!
Yusuf Lifire
Jakarta
There have been some pretty disgusting comments made in this column. Stripping aside the bizarre religious (and anti-religious) rants, the fact is that a rape is alleged to have been committed. Rape in any language or faith is an abhorrent, disgusting act for which the perpetrators deserve to be prosecuted accordingly.
Worse is when such a crime is committed by and in the care of law enforcers who have a special duty of care. The civil police have acted and hopefully will carry out their responsibilities and ensure that justice is done.
The reality is that all too often, public officials in a position of trust, no matter how dedicated or pious, are corrupted by the position of power they hold over ordinary people. It seems the sharia police are similarly human and corruptible. Please don’t forget that there is a victim here that deserves compassion.
Nairdah
Sydney
