Ep 7. Life Under Sharia & Plastic Oceans

The fifth season of Vice invites its viewers to take a global journey that explores issues that are often underreported and misunderstood. Every episode of the series takes a deep dive into a complex issue related to politics, economics, and culture. The seventh episode of the fifth season is titled "Life Under Sharia & Plastic Oceans."

The first segment of the episode takes a closer look at life under Sharia law in Indonesia, a country that is home to the world's largest Muslim population. Host Isobel Yeung travels to Aceh, a province in Indonesia that has implemented Sharia law in its legal system. While Indonesia is known for its moderate approach to Islam, the Aceh province takes a more conservative approach, resulting in a strict interpretation of the rules that govern personal behavior.

The episode explores how the application of Sharia law affects the lives of people living in Aceh. Yeung meets women who have been jailed for violating the province's strict dress code, which requires them to cover their heads and wear long clothing that covers their feet. She also meets couples who have been publicly whipped for engaging in intimate behavior outside of marriage. The episode also highlights the challenges faced by Indonesia's LGBTQ+ community, which has been systematically targeted and discriminated against under the guise of Sharia law.

The second segment of the episode takes a closer look at plastic pollution and its impact on the world's oceans. Host Ben Anderson travels to the Philippines, which is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches. However, the country is also home to a massive amount of plastic waste that is polluting its waters.

Anderson explores how plastic pollution affects not only the environment but also the lives and livelihoods of the people who depend on the ocean to make a living. He meets fishermen who are struggling to catch fish due to plastic pollution and plastics waste collectors who are working to clean up the country's beaches. The episode also takes a global view on plastic pollution, exploring how countries like China contribute to the problem and highlighting innovative solutions that are being implemented to tackle the issue.

In addition to the two main segments, the episode also includes a series of short documentaries that provide a deeper look into other issues related to Sharia law and plastic pollution. One segment explores how the Saudi Arabian government is using the guise of anti-terrorism to crack down on dissent and silence political opposition. Another segment takes a closer look at how human activity is causing coral reefs to shrink and die, which is having a devastating impact on marine ecosystems around the world.

Overall, "Life Under Sharia & Plastic Oceans" is a thought-provoking and informative episode that shines a light on complex issues that are often ignored or misunderstood. Through a blend of investigative reporting and intimate storytelling, the episode invites viewers to engage with these issues and consider ways to create a more just and sustainable world.