17 July 2012

Timbuktu man gets 40 lashes for drinking

A Timbuktu man accused of drinking alcohol was given 40 lashes Monday by members of an Islamist group that has seized the north Malian city and imposed Islamic law there, witnesses said.

"A young man has just been lashed 40 times for drinking alcohol. The whipping took place in the Timbuktu market," a resident told AFP by phone.

"He is injured and was taken to hospital," the resident added, asking not to be identified.

Other witnesses confirmed the incident. [AFP] Read more