The think tank’s CEO, Azrul Mohd Khalib, said public caning had long-term and devastating consequences on an individual’s mental health, adding that victims of public caning were at higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety and depression.
“Due to the high-profile and stigmatised nature of their sentencing, these women are at risk of facing isolation, stigma and violence from family, friends and community members.
“This could lead to a worsening of their mental health, and puts them at greater risk of social isolation, self-harm and suicidal tendencies, among other conditions,” he said in a statement.
The two women were caned six times each at the Terengganu Shariah High Court earlier this week after pleading guilty to attempting lesbian sex in April. The caning was witnessed by over 100 spectators.
It was the first time that such caning was carried out in the state.
The punishment as well as its public nature sparked backlash from NGOs and individuals who said it went against human rights.
Azrul agreed, saying public judicial caning was classified as a form of torture under the United Nations Convention Against Torture.
“The nature of public judicial caning is to shame and humiliate as a form of deterrence. Regardless of the form of caning that was allegedly implemented in this recent case, it was a traumatic experience for the victims.”
He urged the women, family and community development ministry and the health ministry to reach out to the women to assess their physical, mental and emotional state, and to provide support and intervention where necessary.