It's Not Just for Muslims Anymore
Government officials in Indonesia's Aceh province say non-Muslims accused of crimes such as adultery or theft will be tried under a planned new sharia court. Some lawmakers have said they want non-Muslims to have the choice of whether to be tried under sharia or secular law, but State Secretary Yusril Ihza Mahendra says that will just create uncertainty. "Should such freedom be given, non-Muslims will certainly choose to be tried under the Criminal Code because it carries more lenient punishment," said Yusril.