Here’s an open letter to Brunei from an organisation called the International Commission of Jurists, as a response to the announcement of Brunei introducing its Syariah Laws. Suffice to say, the announcement back in October 2013 picked up significant attention from world media.

Even if it is God’s law, one cannot deny, the elements contained within the punishment is archaic and barbaric for our times.

These charges from the international community cannot be brushed off lightly. Brunei’s standing in ASEAN and in the UN as a citizen of this world depends on an appropriate response that doesn’t belittle human rights and encourages its violation for religion.

The ICJ deplores the recent enactment of a new penal code by Brunei Darussalam.

If implemented, the code would lead to serious human rights violations by reintroducing the death penalty and imposing other cruel and inhuman punishment including stoning, even for conduct that should not even be considered criminal.