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These horrific pictures show the moment an Muslim woman was brought to her knees and whipped in public for having sex outside marriage.

Two guards forced her onto her knees on the public stage in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, before a masked man repeatedly strikes her across the back for breaking Sharia law .

As she is caned over and over, the woman recoils in fear, clenches her fists and appears to bite down on her veil.

Crying out in agony, the woman is led away on a stretcher following the the brutal beating as the public watch on in horror.

(Image: EPA)

Under Sharia law, publicly canning is a form of punishment for those who have sex outside of marriage.

Banda Aceh is the only Indonesian province where it is strictly enforced.

Derived from the Koran, Sharia law is the legal system of Islam.

(Image: EPA)

From public and private behaviour, to prayers and fasting, it sets out a series of rules all Muslims should adhere to.

READ MORE:Horrific video shows ISIS chop off hand of 'thief' as they implement Sharia Law in Syria

Other pictures show two men, one walking with crutches, receiving the same punishment as crowds amass to watch the horror unfold.

Both men are pictured wincing in pain as the cane strikes their back.

(Image: EPA)

Since the province struck a peace deal with central government in 2005, Islamic laws have been ramped up.

This year's Valentines Day was deemed "unlawful" under Sharia law, with giving cards and chocolates banned by local government.

(Image: EPA)

Women are also barred from entering entertainment venues after 11pm unless they are accompanied by a male family member.

Up to 90% of Indonesians identify as Muslim, however, most practise a modern form of the faith.