KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban has publicly flogged six individuals, including two women, in Panjshir and Nangarhar provinces, on charges of “illicit relationships” and “drug trafficking.”
Local sources confirmed to KabulNow that three individuals, including a woman, were flogged in a sports stadium in Panjshir province. The Taliban accused one of the men and the woman of engaging in an illicit relationship, while the other man was charged with drug trafficking.
The flogging took place on Wednesday, January 29, in the presence of local Taliban authorities and a crowd of people. Prior to the punishment, Taliban forces reportedly forced local residents and government employees to gather at the stadium to witness the event.
In Nangarhar province, the Taliban flogged two men and a woman on charges of “illicit relationships,” as confirmed by the Taliban Supreme Court. According to the court, the flogging occurred on Sunday, with each of the individuals receiving 39 lashes in front of local Taliban authorities and provincial residents.
These incidents are the latest in a series of public corporal punishments carried out by the Taliban since their return to power in 2021. In recent months, hundreds of people, including women and members of the LGBTQ+ community, have been flogged under charges the Taliban deem as “moral corruption.”
In his recent report to the UN Security Council, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the flogging of 108 individuals, including 26 women and one girl, in Afghanistan over a three-month period.
The Taliban have also carried out at least six public executions for murder in recent years.
Despite repeated calls from the UN, human rights organizations, and activists to end such practices, the Taliban have remained steadfast in defending their actions, claiming they are enforcing Sharia law in Afghanistan.
