What article did you read? The sentence of 200 lashes and six months prison, upgraded from 90 lashes, wasn't for the rapist it was for the victim of rape. Read it again.
“which those convicted of murder, drug trafficking, rape and armed robbery are executed in public with a sword”
Duh, they could have had their heads cut off, so a few years IS getting off easy.
I am not sure that was what he was addressing; I think he meant that compared to the other sentences passed out, the rapist got off pretty light - they were allowed to live.