Ansamed

(ANSAmed) - ROME- The Islamic State (ISIS) continue in their efforts to constitute a 'true state'.

After minting their own currency and brutal warnings to 'their' people, they have now published a sort of 'penal code' detailing punishments for specific crimes. Blasphemy carries a death sentence in the code, even in the case of repentance, as does adultery, which leads to stoning to death if the perpetrator was married and 100 lashes and exile if he or she were unmarried. Those guilty of sodomy - including homosexuality - will also be killed, even for those suffering it as victims, as will those ''spying for the unbelievers''. Those who kill and steal will be crucified, and those who only kill will be executed but not crucified. Those found guilty of 'banditry' will have a hand and a leg amputated, while petty thieves will only lose a hand. Dozens of lashes are prescribed for those who drink alcohol, steal and slander. The code, reports the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), which found it online in recent days, is ''a warning and a reminder to the people living under its rule'' and makes reference to Sharia law, as they interpret it.

ISIS has instead been called ''godless'' by the main Muslim religious authorities. The jihadist group that has vast swaths of Iraq and Syria under its control also ''reaffirmed its commitment to enforce it vigilantly'', and began the code with several Quranic verses in which it stresses Muslims' obligation to obey the Sharia. ISIS has also in the past issued a code for journalists wanting to work in its territory and one for the treatment of ''slaves'', especially women and children. (ANSAmed).