Cant say it would thrill me either
For anyone who has an occupation or hobby that involves delicate use of the hands, this is just plain STUPID.
My early education through to the beginning of secondary was at a private school & the cane was their means of not only punishment for any infractions but also to maintain control & to instill respect for authority....The level of severity was determined by the infraction in incremental amounts of 2 ,4 & 6 cuts as it was known...The 6'er (depending on who by) could reduce a child to tears, often leaving the hand numb for hours after.
In one instance witnessed by an entire classroom of pupils, saw that of thumb dislocation,which as a result of the sheer brutality demonstrated by said teacher involved was later that day dealt his own medicine...Provoked by this, the elder brother & senior student confronted him & didn't mince words...decking the prick in the process...ended up being expelled....as it was very public retribution...in fact metered out in the classroom before all of us.
It is also a known fact that both blood vessel /corpuscles & nerve damage from tissue trauma can result from the use of a cane applied directly to the palm of the hand, let alone potential for bone fragmentation
To this very day the cane (specifically the rattan) is still favoured throughout Indonesia & a number of South East Asian countries. Their correctional institutions each have a duly appointed "Master" administrator to carry out rulings as set down by prison authorities...Logic being it should serve as both a warning & an example that criminal deeds (minor or otherwise) are not tolerated
Foreign embassy representation for the purposes of intervening have no impact whatsoever should one of your nationals find themselves at the mercy of the judicial system - Period !
As is often said...be careful what you wish for !!....Even the best orthopaedic specialists or micro surgeons may not be able to repair any lingering damage caused.