Malaysian women caned for illicit sex 'grateful'
THE first Malaysian women to be caned under Islamic law for having illicit sex reportedly said they regretted their actions and welcomed the punishment, AFP reported today.
The three women gave the first account of the February 9 caning, which drew condemnation from human rights activists but applause from some Muslim groups.
"On the day I was caned, I was scared but, at the same time, I knew I deserved it and was willing to take the punishment," said one of the women, a 25-year-old who went by the name of Ayu.
She told Malaysian newspaper the New Straits Times that the punishment, administered while they were fully clothed and by a female prison officer wielding a thin rattan cane, did not hurt.
"Those out there who are having sex before marriage should really consider the consequences and not only think about momentary pleasure," she told the newspaper.
The three women said they turned themselves in to religious authorities after being wracked by guilt after having premarital sex.
Malaysia is cool.
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