It has been a long while since we last got any update on the caning case of Malaysia model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno. As a reminder, Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno was caught drinking alcohol and a Syariah court in Malaysia subsequently ordered that she be sentenced to a fine (which she paid) and 6 strokes of the cane.
Against precedents and against expectations, Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno refused to appeal her caning sentence. She was set to become the first woman in Malaysia to be caned.
The caning sentence on Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno has divided the nation. Several government leaders, including Ministers and other politicians as well as several women advocacy groups were shocked by this development. But equally there are others who are for the caning.
Malaysia prides itself as a moderate Muslim country and the government is said to be concerned that caning Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno will adversely affect this carefully cultivated image.
At the last minute, the caning sentence on Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno was postponed because it was thought to be inappropriate to carry out the caning during the holy month of Ramadan.
But it is now 4 months since Ramadan. And there is still no sign of when the caning sentence will be carried out. Now Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno has spoken up. In a recent interview with AFP, Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno said: ”I don’t want to pressure them but what they promised is to postpone the caning until after the holy month of Ramadan, which was over in September.”
What is happening to this caning case of Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno? No one seems to know. The Attorney General said he is not involved this delay. The prison authorities said it has now acquired the expertise to cane a woman. The Syariah authorities said there is no legal impediment to carrying out the caning on Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno. So why the delay? Said a frustrated Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno: “Even my lawyers don’t know how they should help me now.”
But what does Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno want to see happen to her case? She said: ”My stand is still the same – if they decide they want to cane me, please do it.”
Then Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno added: “They should declare what they want to do with me, tell me, don’t leave me in limbo, at least I would know where am I.”
Earlier posts
Kartika Caning – Why The Delay?
Kartika Caning – Syariah Court Stands Firm
Kartika Caning – Attorney General: “Justice Hurried Is Justice Buried”
Kartika Caning – No Punishment Prescribed InThe Quran For Drinking Alcohol
Kartika Caning – Why Prevent Open Discussion?
Kartika Caning – What’s At Stake?
Kartika Wants Caning Sentence To Be Carried Out
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