Brunei yesterday introduced harsh new sharia laws, including death by stoning for adultery and gay sex, despite a storm of global criticism. The tough penal code in the tiny country on tropical Borneo island ~ ruled by the all-powerful Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah - fully came into force following years of delays. The laws include amputation of hands and feet for thieves. Rape and robbery are also punishable by death under the code and many of the new laws, such as capital punishment for insulting the Prophet Mohammed, apply to nonMuslims as well as Muslims. The decision to push ahead with the punishments has sparked alarm around the world, with the United Nations labelling them "cruel and inhumane" and celebrities, led by actor George Clooney and pop star Elton John, calling for Brunei-owned hotels to be boycotted. SOURCE: AFP, CNN