KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban publicly flogged three individuals, including two women, on charges of “adultery” in Kabul and eastern Nuristan province, as announced by the regime’s highest court.
The Taliban Supreme Court confirmed in a statement that a man and a woman were flogged in Kabul on Tuesday, January 7, in the presence of Taliban authorities and the public. Both received 39 lashes and prison sentences ranging from six months to one year.
In a separate announcement, the court stated that a woman was flogged 39 times on charges of adultery in Waigal district of eastern Nuristan province on Saturday, January 4.
These cases are the latest in a series of public floggings by the Taliban. Over the past three years, hundreds of individuals, including women, girls, boys, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, have been flogged publicly for alleged “immoral crimes.”
The Taliban’s use of public flogging has intensified in recent months, with punishments occurring almost daily. In December alone, at least 50 people, including 8 women, were flogged on various charges across Afghanistan.
A recent report by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres documented the flogging of 108 people, including 26 women and a girl, between August and October 2024.
Despite widespread condemnation from the UN, human rights groups, and activists, the Taliban continue these practices, asserting they are enforcing Sharia law in Afghanistan.
