The canings took place in Aceh, a highly conservative region that implemented a version of sharia law in 2001 under a special autonomy package offered by the government to try to diffuse a 29-year rebellion. About 600 men, woman and children gathered to watch. The blows were firm, but the men did not appear in extreme pain.

Accusations of corruption -- which is endemic in Indonesia -- surfaced ahead of the event. Several of those beaten said they had paid a prosecutor $50 to escape the punishment.

The prosecutor admitted that he had received the money, but said it was "a gesture of thanks from the men because the sentence had been formally passed down."

The Japan Times Weekly: July 2, 2005
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