Publisher's Synopsis
The partial implementation of a sharia-based penal code (SPC) raised significant human rights concerns; however, during the year the government deferred further implementation of the SPC, with only the first phase operating in parallel with the existing common law-based criminal law system. On September 22, the country signed the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, obligating the state to refrain in good faith from acts that would defeat the object and purpose of the UN torture convention during the period between signing and ratification. The most serious human rights problems were the inability of citizens to choose their government through free and fair elections, restrictions on religious freedom, and exploitation of foreign workers. Other human rights problems included limitations on freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and association. No officials were accused of human rights abuses, but the government investigated, prosecuted, and punished police, soldiers, and other officials accused of crimes such as corruption or rape. There were no reports of impunity.
