Handy to Know

An Islamic court in Nigeria has banned a civil rights group from holding an internet debate about amputation as a form of punishment.

In accordance with the Qur'an and several hadith, someone found guilty of theft may be punished by the amputation of hands or feet, depending on the number of times it was committed and depending on the item of theft.

The Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria started a Twitter feed; blog and Facebook debate so "Nigerians could air their opinions on Sharia law as a whole".

The ban was initially sought by the Association of Muslim Brotherhood of Nigeria, a pro-Sharia group based in the northern city of Kaduna, on the basis those forums and internet sites would mock the Sharia system.

Seemingly, a few years back some guy got his hand chopped off for stealing a cow. Fair enough. Could have been worse. Could have been a bull.

What’s there to mock?

As I always say

“When in Rome, wear a toga.”

“When in Kaduna, keep your hands in your pockets.”

If that’s allowed that is.

It would be handy to know.