Caning Photos

Journalists interview three women who were caned for having sex out of wedlock. They are the first to be caned under the country’s Islamic laws. Photo from UK's Mail Online, February 20, 2010.

Malaysian justice: Prison staff demonstrate to the media how the caning process was done at the Kajang Prison outside KL. Photo from UK's Mail Online, February 20, 2010.

Last word on the caning of Malaysian women. I would like to quote Fakihah Azahari from the Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association: “Whether one agrees or disagrees with the Syariah High Court decisions, one issue is manifest. The decision of the women in question to submit themselves exclusively to the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court shall have to be respected…” (New Sunday Times, February 21, 2010, p 4).

And as reported by Agence France-Presse, (Webpage http://news.malaysia.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3886685), Amnesty International on Wednesday (i.e. February 17, 2010) urged Malaysia to end a caning "epidemic," saying that authorities have meted out the punishment to thousands of men in addition to the high-profile case of three women.

Amnesty International had said the case was "just the tip of the iceberg" and that Malaysia often caned men for routine offenses. Citing Malaysian authorities, the London-based human rights group said authorities caned more than 35,000 people – mostly non-Malaysians – for immigration violations since 2002.

"These thousands of cases point to an epidemic of caning in Malaysia," said Donna Guest, the group's deputy Asia-Pacific director.

In the SPL, Celtic moved to within seven points of Rangers at the top of the table with a one-sided win over Dundee United. Robbie Keane struck a fine solo effort in the 20th minute for his first goal at Celtic Park. In fact, the home side had many chances to win big, but keeper Dusan Pernis was superb in the United goal.

And in the EPL, Arsenal are just two points behind Man U after a 2-0 win against Sunderland. The Gunners made the breakthrough when Nicklas Bendtner tapped-in Emmanuel Eboue’s low cross (27), and then Cesc Fabregas stroked home a penalty after the Spaniard was bundled over by Sunderland’s Fraser Campbell (90+3).