Indonesian Islamic court sentences two men to public flogging for kissing and hugging

In a shocking turn of events, an Indonesian Sharia court has handed down a cruel punishment to two young men for displaying affection towards each other. The 20 and 21-year-olds were captured by authorities after witnesses spotted them entering the same restroom in Taman Sari municipal park in April. The concerned residents reported the incident to patrolling police officers, leading to the arrests. During the sentencing hearing at the Sharia court in Banda Aceh, Judge Rokhmadi issued the verdict on Monday, August 11, 2025.