Brussels, 14/05/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 14 May, the European Union stated its concern about the introduction of the first stage of implementation of the new penal in Brunei, which permits inter alia stoning, amputation and whipping. The new penal code also provides for the death penalty for violent theft and stoning to death for extra-marital sexual relations and sexual relations between same-sex adults.
Taking note of the introduction of the penal code on 1 May 2014, and of the stated intention of the authorities to introduce more severe punishments into the statute books of Brunei in the future, the EU said, through the spokesperson to High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, that it is “concerned about the consistency of the possible application of such penalties with Brunei's international human rights commitments”. The spokesperson highlighted the prohibition of torture and cruel and degrading treatment or punishment, the rights of the child, the freedom of religion and expression, and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. “The EU underlines the importance for Brunei to observe its commitments assumed under international human rights law”, the spokesperson said.
Ashton's spokesperson said that these concerns have been raised by the EU and its member states both in their bilateral contacts and as part of the universal periodic review of Brunei, which took place at the United Nations in Geneva on 2 May. (CG)