Jeez - Not Appealing
As you said The Punishment may well exceed the crime over there...
Then don't go and do it.
It would certainly send a clear message to others not to.
Yes, the punishment does well exceed the crime. I don't agree with it.
However, as previously stated, those are their laws. If I ever visited, then I am required to abide by their laws.
Places like China, North Korea, Russia, etc, don't play games.
The three basketball players are obviously not the brightest on the team.