At the initiative of Socialist and Democrats, the European Parliament condemned today Brunei’s new penal code which made adultery and gay sex punishable by death from stoning, and allows for the amputation of limbs for theft.

The resolution adopted by overwhelming majority calls for consideration of sanctions such as asset freezing and visa bans in the event of implementation of the Sharia penal code.

S&D Group spokesperson on human rights, Soraya Post, said:

“The new Sharia penal code in Brunei is cruel, degrading and inhumane. It targets already vulnerable groups in society: children, women and LGBTI people and deprives them of their human rights. According to the new laws children as young as seven years old can be punished by flogging and whipping. Consensual same-sex acts and abortion can be punished with death by stoning or by flogging and whipping.

"The punishments are ancient and evil and as is the mind-set of the monarchy in Brunei. In civilized societies where human rights are respected, it is not a crime to be gay, lesbian or bisexual or to have an abortion. I demand an immediate end to this Sharia penal code. Otherwise, the EU will have no choice but to impose tough sanctions on Brunei’s government officials and Sultan. They should face travel bans and financial sanctions including seizure of their assets.”