BANDA ACEH, Indonesia –Aceh's provincial administration and legislative council have approved the Qanun Jinayat that requires both Muslims and non-Muslims to follow sharia, local media reported.

Councillor Abdulah Saleh confirmed Thursday (February 6th) the controversial bylaw was approved in December and signed by Governor Zaini Abdullah, The Jakarta Post reported.

It stipulates that all violators of Sharia law, regardless of their religion, will be tried under Islamic law, Saleh said. Non-Muslims who violate the Criminal Code (KUHP) have the option to be tried in either sharia or regular court.

Violations such as drinking liquor or not wearing the hijab could be punished by caning.

Human rights activists criticised sharia police Friday after they briefly detained 62 people, including two non-Muslims, for wearing improper clothing earlier in the week.

Deputy Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission Imdadun said enforcement for non-Muslims was a human rights violation, according to the Jakarta Globe.