Hundreds of people have rallied outside a Brunei-owned hotel in London in protest at new Islamic sharia laws in the country that punish homosexuality, adultery and rape with the death penalty.
Brunei, a Muslim-majority former British protectorate with a population of 400,000, has defended its right to implement sharia that punishes sodomy, adultery and rape with the death penalty - including by stoning - and theft with amputation.
A couple embrace as protesters gather outside the Dorchester Hotel in Park Lane in London. Source: Press Association
The laws, elements of which were first adopted in 2014, have been rolled out]in phases since then, including this week, stirring international outrage.
Brunei's state-owned investment agency BIA owns the Dorchester Collection hotel group, which features luxury venues such as the Dorchester in London, the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Plaza Athenee in Paris.
On Saturday protesters gathered outside the Dorchester hotel brandishing banners and chanting slogans such as: "We're here, we're queer and we are not going there".
Protesters gather outside the Dorchester Hotel. Source: Press Association
"Stoning to death is a particularly unique, cruel, brutal punishment designed to prolong the agony of the person being killed," human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell told Reuters.
"This has no place in the 21st century."
Protesters have targeted hotels and organisations connected to the tiny sultanate. Source: Press Association
The Dorchester hotel did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on Saturday.
The United Nations said on Wednesday that Brunei was violating human rights by implementing its sharia measures.
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