Brunei introduces death by stoning for adultery, gay sex

A newlywed couple has their photograph taken at the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, where laws are taking effect that will impose death by stoning for gay sex and adultery.

Brunei on Wednesday is to introduce harsh new sharia laws, including death by stoning for adultery and gay sex, despite a storm of global criticism from politicians, celebrities and rights groups.

The tough penal code in the tiny country on tropical Borneo island -- ruled by the all-powerful Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah -- will fully come into force following years of delays.